Meryl Streep’s iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestly in the 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada” has become a cultural touchstone, shaping the careers of many in the fashion industry. For celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, who has been working with Streep for over a decade, stepping into this legacy to style the actress for the sequel was a dream come true.
The Challenge of Styling Meryl Streep for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
With a press tour spanning over a month and multiple destinations around the globe, Erlanger had to prep no fewer than 25 different designer outfits for Streep. The most daunting task, however, was ensuring that the outfits paid homage to the world of Runway without making it look like Streep was cosplaying her iconic character.
“While there are nods to the film, we weren’t dressing Miranda Priestly; we were dressing Meryl Streep as she is today,” Erlanger explained. “I’ve been leaning into a term I call ‘meta dressing.’ It’s about fashion referencing fiction that’s referencing real fashion history – all while still keeping the wearer’s real life and career in mind as well.”
The Art of ‘Meta Dressing’
Erlanger’s concept of ‘meta dressing’ involves layering nods to the movie with personal touches that still feel authentic to the person. For Streep’s first stop in Mexico City, she wore a devil-red Dolce & Gabbana suit affixed with brooches from her own personal collection, including purple ribbons from her 2010 National Medal of the Arts and a rainbow rosette from the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.
This approach allows Erlanger to create looks that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking, referencing the film while still showcasing Streep’s unique style and personality. “While audiences love the ‘Easter eggs,’ I find it’s more exciting to layer those nods into looks that still feel authentic to the person,” Erlanger said.
Streep’s Press Tour Looks
- Wearing Dolce & Gabbana with Anne Hathaway (in Schiaparelli) in Mexico City
- Wearing Chanel in Tokyo
- Wearing Celine in New York
- Wearing Givency in Paris
Throughout the press tour, Erlanger’s ‘meta dressing’ approach has resulted in a series of stunning outfits that not only pay homage to the film but also showcase Streep’s individuality and style. As the actress continues to promote “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Erlanger’s creative vision will undoubtedly continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts and fans of the film alike.
What is ‘Meta Dressing’?
‘Meta dressing’ is a term coined by Micaela Erlanger to describe the art of fashion referencing fiction that’s referencing real fashion history. It involves layering nods to a particular film or cultural reference with personal touches that still feel authentic to the person.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between ‘meta dressing’ and cosplaying?
A: While both involve referencing a particular film or cultural reference, ‘meta dressing’ is about creating looks that feel authentic to the person, whereas cosplaying often involves dressing up as a character in a more literal sense.
Q: How does ‘meta dressing’ differ from traditional fashion styling?
A: ‘Meta dressing’ involves a more nuanced approach to fashion styling, where the stylist must balance nods to the film or cultural reference with the person’s individual style and personality.
Q: Can ‘meta dressing’ be applied to other areas of fashion beyond film and celebrity culture?
A: Yes, ‘meta dressing’ can be applied to various areas of fashion, such as editorial or commercial fashion, where the goal is to create looks that are both visually striking and meaningful.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Erlanger’s concept of ‘meta dressing’ offers a fresh perspective on the art of fashion styling, one that prioritizes individuality and creativity over mere imitation or replication.
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