High Fashion Takes Center Stage in TheDevil Wears Prada Musical

Fans of fashion and theatre are in for a dazzling treat as The Devil Wears Prada hits the West End stage in 2024.

This highly anticipated musical adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling 2003 novel and the 2006 film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway promises to combine the glamour of the fashion world with the excitement of live performance. After a summer run at Theatre Royal Plymouth, the show is set to open in October at London’s Dominion Theatre, one of the capital’s largest venues.

Under the direction of Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, the musical showcases vibrant, colourful scenery by Tim Hatley and original music by Elton John. But perhaps the most buzzworthy element of the production is its costume design. The story of The Devil Wears Prada revolves around the cutthroat world of fashion, and the West End adaptation fully embraces this, bringing audiences a visual feast of high-end designer ensembles. Here’s a sneak peek at what audiences can expect from the iconic wardrobes of The Devil Wears Prada’s three main characters.

Miranda Priestly

Vanessa Williams, a Broadway veteran and fashion icon in her own right, leads the cast as Miranda Priestly, the icy editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. Known for her commanding presence and sophistication, Miranda’s wardrobe in the musical reflects these traits to perfection. One of the first glimpses of Williams in character came through teaser videos, where she donned Prada sunglasses, specifically the PRA06S model. The sleek eyewear captured Miranda’s steely control and refined style, setting the tone for the rest of the show’s fashion choices.

Gregg Barnes, the musical’s head costume designer, centred the entire cast’s wardrobe around Williams’s looks. Each of Miranda’s outfits is carefully crafted using real designer pieces, including Gucci silk shirts, Dior jackets, and Tom Ford pencil skirts, ensuring the authenticity that fans of the film expect. One of the musical’s most dramatic moments comes during the Met Gala scene, where Miranda appears in a ruby coat by Pamella Roland. As the coat falls away to reveal a matching red, sequined gown beneath, the audience is reminded of the larger-than-life persona that Miranda commands.

Andy Sachs

Georgie Buckland takes on the role of Andy Sachs, Miranda’s put-upon assistant, whose journey from fashion sceptic to style savant is one of the central arcs of the story. In the original film, Andy’s disdain for the fashion world is mirrored in her early wardrobe, which consists of oversized sweaters and plain tees. This cynicism, however, begins to melt away once she steps into the Runway offices and is introduced to designer clothing.

While fans of the movie will fondly remember Andy’s fashion montage — featuring an iconic green Fendi bag, Chanel boots, and leopard-print lined coats — the musical offers its own spin on Andy’s transformation. One piece that did make it to the stage is the infamous cerulean jumper that sparks Miranda’s memorable monologue on the interconnectedness of fashion. In the West End production, Buckland wears a Denner cashmere jumper, a simple yet significant nod to the original.

Emily Charlton

In sharp contrast to Andy, Emily Charlton, Miranda’s first assistant, is utterly obsessed with fashion. Played by Amy Di Bartolomeo in the musical, Emily’s character radiates ambition and embodies the cutthroat fashionista archetype. Her wardrobe, naturally, follows suit. In the original film, Emily Blunt famously received notes to be “more stylish” before securing the role, and the character’s obsession with staying slim and stylish is a running theme.

For the stage, Barnes ensured that Emily’s wardrobe was brimming with real designer pieces, straight out of Paris Fashion Week. She’s outfitted in fitted Balmain blazers with dramatic shoulders, Moschino pencil skirts, and Prada stilettos that are as strappy as they are sky-high. Whether it’s a Versace dress or a Jean Paul Gaultier jacket, Emily’s looks are unapologetically bold, making her one of the most stylish characters on stage.

From the elegance of Miranda’s wardrobe to Andy’s gradual embrace of couture, and Emily’s fashion-forward ambition, the show’s costumes are as much a part of the story as the music and choreography. Whether you’re a die-hard fashion lover or simply a fan of theatre, this West End production is one you won’t want to miss.

Writer Credit: Hazel Murphy