The cameras are rolling in New York City, and the fashion world is watching closely. Nearly two decades after the original film redefined fashion on screen, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is back in production, and with it comes a renewed display of cinematic style. This time, the wardrobe is not just a supporting act—it is the story.

The sequel picks up in a different fashion era. Social media has democratised influence, quiet luxury is rising alongside maximalism, and sustainability is no longer optional. To capture this evolution, the film’s wardrobe department has turned to a select list of designers who reflect where fashion is now and where it is going. Costume design is being led by an international team that has tapped into the archives of legacy houses while also embracing emerging talent.

On set, stars are being dressed in looks from Chloé, Valentino, Dior, Saint Laurent, Gabriela Hearst, and Rabanne. The styling direction leans toward a modern form of power dressing—fluid lines, tailored softness, and bold textures replacing the hard edges and sky-high heels of the early 2000s. There is still glamour, but it is layered with depth. Think minimalist silhouettes layered over sharply constructed coats. Accessories are chosen with surgical precision. Every handbag, belt, and shoe communicates status and story.

Rabanne’s futuristic metallics have already been spotted during outdoor shoots in Manhattan’s SoHo district. The choice signals that the film is not just about high-end taste, but also about forecasting what’s next. A silver mesh dress worn under a deconstructed trench coat drew crowds during filming and quickly went viral, reigniting discussion about fashion’s role in pop culture.

Gabriela Hearst’s presence in the wardrobe marks a shift in tone. Known for her sustainability focus and understated strength, Hearst represents a new kind of luxury—intentional, intelligent, and quietly powerful. Her involvement is a statement that fashion can be elegant without excess.

Saint Laurent and Dior provide the expected polish. Tailored wool suits, soft leather blazers, and structured bags appear in boardroom scenes filmed at The Met and other iconic institutions. Chloé contributes femininity with layered neutrals, flowing silk, and hand-stitched details that soften the city’s sharp backdrop.

Unlike the first film, which helped immortalise brands like Chanel, Prada, and Jimmy Choo in the minds of a global audience, this sequel is less about the label and more about the energy. It is about the people who wear fashion, not just the names behind it. That nuance is reflected in every look.

Beyond aesthetics, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is asking a deeper question: what does fashion mean in a world reshaped by climate anxiety, gender fluidity, and digital saturation? The clothes are answering with a quiet kind of power. They whisper rather than shout, reflecting a world where image still matters, but the message behind the outfit matters more.

As the fashion community waits for the official release in May 2026, the film set is already influencing conversations across runways and retail floors. Brands featured in the wardrobe are expected to see renewed interest, while stylists and influencers are dissecting early photos from set for clues about which pieces will define the next year.

If the original film taught a generation how to spot a cerulean sweater, the sequel looks ready to teach us how to wear meaning. And that, in today’s fashion world, may be the boldest statement of all.