When we think of The Devil Wears Prada, we don’t just think of a movie; we think of a cultural touchstone that redefined how we view the fashion industry. Miranda Priestly, played with icy perfection by Meryl Streep, remains one of cinema’s most formidable figures. Her wardrobe wasn’t just clothing—it was armor. However, as costume designer Molly Rogers recently revealed, some of the most iconic looks in the film almost never made it to the screen.
The Battle Over the Dries Van Noten Tassel Jacket
In a recent panel discussion at Fashionphile’s New York City headquarters, Molly Rogers pulled back the curtain on the high-stakes wardrobe department. One piece, in particular, became the subject of a heated internal debate: a stunning, tasseled Dries Van Noten jacket. According to Rogers, the studio executives were deeply skeptical of the piece, fearing it was too eccentric or perhaps too distracting for the scene.
The tension reached a boiling point on the day of the shoot. Rogers, sensing that the studio was ready to pull the plug on the garment, approached Meryl Streep to deliver the bad news. She explained that the studio reps were “abuzz” with concerns and were pushing to have the jacket removed from the scene. Streep’s reaction was as sharp and decisive as her character’s: she cut Rogers off mid-sentence and declared, “We’ll see about that!”
Streep’s intervention was successful, and the jacket stayed. It has since become a fan favorite, serving as a perfect example of how Streep’s intuition for her character often aligned with the artistic vision of the costume team rather than the cautious instincts of the studio.
Symbolism in Fashion: Art Versus Commerce
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Dries Van Noten jacket served a vital narrative purpose. Rogers explained that the garment was chosen specifically for a scene where Miranda Priestly is forced into an impromptu meeting with corporate executives brought in by Jay Ravitz (played by B.J. Novak). These executives were tasked with cutting costs at Runway magazine, representing a cold, bottom-line approach to business.
The jacket became a visual metaphor for the clash between creative integrity and corporate greed. As Rogers described it, “Miranda is up against a lot of suits. It’s art vs. commerce.” By wearing such a bold, artistic piece, Miranda was physically and symbolically distancing herself from the drab, uninspired world of the corporate suits. It was a silent, sartorial protest that reinforced her position as the ultimate arbiter of taste.
The Creative Friction Between Cast and Costume
The struggle to define characters through clothing wasn’t limited to Miranda Priestly. Molly Rogers also opened up about her collaborative—and sometimes combative—relationship with Stanley Tucci, who played the beloved Nigel. While Miranda was all about high-fashion power, Nigel’s style was more nuanced, and Tucci was notoriously protective of his character’s aesthetic.
Rogers noted that Tucci frequently pushed back against the idea of over-accessorizing. He wanted Nigel to feel authentic, not like a mannequin. This led to many spirited debates in the fitting room. Interestingly, Rogers jokingly labeled Tucci a “traitor” during the panel, referencing a recent Town & Country cover where the actor appeared wearing two diamond-covered brooches. It seems that while Tucci fought against excessive accessories on set, he has fully embraced the power of a well-placed brooch in his personal life.
Key Takeaways from the Wardrobe Department
- Character-Driven Fashion: Every piece in the film was chosen to tell a story about the character’s internal state or professional standing.
- The Power of Advocacy: Meryl Streep’s willingness to fight for the costume design helped elevate the film’s visual storytelling.
- Art vs. Commerce: The wardrobe was used as a tool to highlight the conflict between the creative soul of Runway and the corporate pressure to cut costs.
- Collaborative Tension: Disagreements between actors and designers often lead to more grounded, believable character portrayals.
Conclusion
The legacy of The Devil Wears Prada is built on these small, deliberate choices. Whether it was Meryl Streep standing her ground for a tasseled jacket or Stanley Tucci debating the merits of a brooch, the attention to detail transformed the film into a timeless classic. These behind-the-scenes stories remind us that fashion in film is never just about looking good—it is about defining who the characters are and what they stand for in a world that is constantly trying to change them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Dries Van Noten jacket controversial?
Studio executives felt the jacket was too bold and worried it would distract from the scene, but the costume team felt it was essential for Miranda’s character arc.
What does the jacket represent in the film?
It represents the tension between the artistic vision of Miranda Priestly and the cost-cutting, corporate mindset of the executives trying to change her magazine.
Did Stanley Tucci enjoy his costumes in the movie?
Tucci was very involved in his character’s look and often debated with the costume designers to ensure Nigel felt authentic and not overly accessorized.
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