Exactly twenty years ago, a movie redefined the fashion film genre. Now the doors of Runway magazine have swung open once more, and while the industry has shifted from glossy print to viral TikToks, one thing remains certain: Miranda Priestly is still the center of the universe.
In this highly advertised sequel, the filmmakers haven’t just created a new story, they’ve built a high fashion playground filled with “easter eggs” that will have original fans gasping in their seats.
The beauty of the Prada sequel lies in its restraint. It doesn’t hit you over the head with nostalgia, it weaves it into the very fabric of the film. From the moment the opening credits roll, the rhythm feels familiar, yet evolved.
The film leans heavily into the story of the first movie, without feeling like a retelling. For those who have memorized every frame of the 2006 classic, the rewards are plenty. You’ll notice subtle nods to the original soundtrack that plays whenever a certain “dragon lady” enters a room. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for a specific shade of blue that makes a couple appearances, proving that Miranda’s “pile of stuff” monologue is still the industry’s guide. While the fashion is strictly 2026, there are clever visual acknowledgements to iconic pieces, think a modernized take on a certain pair of Chanel boots, or a strategically placed Hermes scarf. The script honors the “Priestly Dialect.” You’ll find new, inventive ways to be told you’re incompetent, all delivered with that signature, terrifyingly quiet whisper.
The sequel avoids the “sequel curse” by acknowledging that the world has changed. The tension no longer just lies in getting the dry cleaning or finding the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript; it’s about survival in a digital world. Yet, the heart of the film remains the same, surviving the “dragon lady” in a world that was not meant for you.
Without spoiling the twists or the final “That’s all,” let’s just say that the power dynamics have shifted in a way that feels both ironic and earned.
In a recent interview with a high school student who attended the movie, the feedback highlighted an interesting shift in the Runway universe. While the students enjoyed the new characters, they said that “it was nice to see some big actors come back to the industry, such as BJ Novak and Lucy Liu,” however they felt the new assistants lacked the razor-sharp wit that made Emily Blunt so iconic in the original. Regarding the film’s visual identity, the student noted that while the style is modern, it was “not as good as the original fashion and there are some interesting fashion choices,” which doesn’t quite reach the same heights of the 2006 original.
While individual views on this new movie, the film’s core remains magnetic. Whether you’re here for the wit, fashion, or the terror of Miranda Priestly, this sequel proves that some things never go out of style. It is a chic, sharp, and sophisticated follow that respects its roots.
By all means, don’t move at a glacial pace to see this one, because it is worth seeing if you’re a fan of the original. That’s all.