The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review: Is It Worth Watching or Just Nostalgia?

Bonjour fashion lovers,

After twenty years, I finally met again Miranda, Andy, Nigel and Emily. And I have to say, the encounter was more pleasant than I expected.

I walked into the theater with a hint of skepticism, yet time passed lightly, almost effortlessly. Not because this is a great film, and certainly not because it tries to be one. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not an auteur film, just like the original wasn’t. But it doesn’t need to be. What it offers instead is something more familiar, almost intimate, the return of characters who have shaped my journey as a fashion lover.

This time, however, the tone shifts. Beneath the polished surface, there is a sense of bitterness. The film openly reflects on the decline, perhaps even the end, of print fashion magazines and traditional publishing. A world built on dreams now facing layoffs, broken careers, and sudden transitions. The story introduces this reality early on, yet never fully explores it, choosing instead to remain in a limbo of glamour and luxury. But then again, isn’t that exactly what audiences expect from The Devil Wears Prada 2?

Not surprisingly, several international reviews of The Devil Wears Prada 2 echo the same sentiment. Critics describe the sequel as enjoyable but not groundbreaking, caught somewhere between nostalgia and modern reality, more focused on revisiting an iconic world than redefining it.

The characters return with new personal and professional paths. Miranda Priestly feels less sharp, slightly more muted, yet still undeniably magnetic. Only Meryl Streep could portray her with such effortless authority. Andy Sachs remains the dreamer, determined to change the world, yet once again drawn into Miranda’s orbit. Nigel is still the ultimate gentleman, elegant, loyal, quietly essential. Emily Charlton, now far from Runway not by choice, is determined to return, even if it means challenging Miranda herself.

Around them, a range of supporting characters fills the narrative, adding movement without truly shifting its direction.

I won’t go further into spoilers, although I may already have said too much. What I can say is that visually, the film delivers exactly what we expect: a breathtaking sequence of fashion looks, designer outfits, and statement accessories. Behind this visual narrative, the work of Molly Rogers stands out, shaping a wardrobe that feels coherent with the past, yet perfectly aligned with today’s fashion language. And then there’s Milan, more beautiful than ever. The scene of Miranda alone inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II at night is simply unforgettable.

There are quick but credible cameos from Brunello Cucinelli and Donatella Versace, while Lady Gaga commands attention with a magnetic presence that is impossible to ignore. And yes, I admit it, for her and Adele, I would stand for hours just to listen to them sing.

I also fell in love with Anne Hathaway’s Armani look and makeup in Milan, refined, luminous, and perfectly balanced.

So, is The Devil Wears Prada 2 worth watching?

If you go in without high expectations, ready to enjoy a light, visually stunning fashion film filled with style and glamour, then yes. If you are expecting depth, strong storytelling, or a meaningful exploration of the challenges facing today’s fashion industry, then the answer is no.

As for me, I went, and I didn’t regret it.

Now it’s your turn to decide.

Emanuela Formoso – Founder & Editor, The Fashion Lover.
Always fashion, always black. Always Paris.