Meryl Streep in Schiaparelli and Anne Hathaway in Stella McCartney Photo: Getty Images
When The Devil Wears Prada came out in 2006, stylist Micaela Erlanger remembers instantly connecting with the film. It was a case of life imitating art: at the time, Erlanger was interning at Condé Nast, the publisher of magazines including Vogue. “The movie really pulled back the curtain on fashion, and totally changed how people understand the industry,” says Erlanger. “Now, it’s full circle to be working in the industry—and working on the next film!”
Indeed, over the next few weeks, Erlanger will be styling one of her longtime clients, Meryl Streep, for her various red carpet appearances supporting The Devil Wears Prada 2, out on May 1. The press tour officially kicked off in Mexico City last night, to be followed by premieres in London, New York, and East Asia. Streep’s very first look for the tour? A red suit from Dolce & Gabbana, punctuated with brooches from Streep’s own personal collection (including two purple ribbons from when she was honored with her 2010 National Medal of the Arts, awarded by Barack Obama). She later changed into a floor-length, buttoned-up Schiaparelli gown. “This is going to be the most fashion you’ve ever seen her in,” says Erlanger, who has been working with Streep for 11 years now.
Streep’s head-to-toe red look was accessorized with a custom Olympia Le-Tan book clutch, bearing the red pitchfork-heeled stilettos seen on the new movie poster. Erlanger adds that it’s a “fashion girl’s dream” to be styling this tour. “How could I not be absolutely thrilled about working on this film, of all the films?” she muses. With that said, the vertiginous stakes aren’t lost on her: Erlanger knows that the whole world will be dissecting what Streep wears throughout the month of April. “The pressure is on,” she acknowledges with a laugh. “There’s absolutely zero room for error.”
It’s why Erlanger approached the tour with a strategy: to lean into looks that felt both modern and chic—and that split the difference between Meryl’s style and Miranda’s. “We wanted to have a wink and a nod to the original movie, but it’s also about evolution,” says Erlanger. “This isn’t about dressing Miranda Priestly—it was about dressing Meryl Streep as she is now, a powerful and realized woman at the height of her career.”
They started with silhouettes. “We looked at a lot of tailoring, and pieces that are chosen for fit and conviction,” Erlanger explains. “There’s a very fierce, powerful editrix energy. Lots of defined shoulders, bold accessories—maybe a dash of leopard print. But we still kept her femininity intact.”
Between all of the carpets, fan events, and press days, there will be upwards of 30 looks total, including more than a few made just for Streep. “Doing custom is one of the biggest honors and joys in what I do,” says Erlanger. “I love getting to collaborate with the houses to dream up special one-of-a-kind looks. You will see that the devil wears lots of designers.” (You can also count on lots of devil-red…and possibly a hint of cerulean.)
There will be some vintage in the mix, too. “I source my vintage from all over the world,” says Erlanger. “There’s something so deeply special and unique about one-of-a-kind vintage looks.” As for accessories, look out for more archival treasures, a bit of experimentation around Streep’s signature eyewear—and killer jewelry accents. “She has a really great eye for jewelry,” says Erlanger.
For Erlanger, it was important to cultivate looks that felt wholeheartedly true to Streep’s sensibilities—though she has had conversations with fellow stylists Erin Walsh (who works with Anne Hathaway) and Jessica Paster (who does Emily Blunt). “Our group chat has been hilarious and so much fun,” says Erlanger. “But it’s been really important that we remain authentic to our clients. Each actress is going to come in their own unique way.”
“We’re going to give the fans what they want,” Erlanger continues, “but it’s going to be totally unexpected.” That’s all!
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
