Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour Discuss Power, Fashion, and ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

In a striking new cover story for Vogue, Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour have teamed up for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of fashion and power. The interview, moderated by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, arrives as anticipation builds for the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel to the 2006 cult classic in which Streep played the formidable magazine editor Miranda Priestly.

The Connection Between Miranda Priestly and Anna Wintour

The pairing of Streep and Wintour is a nod to the cinematic history of the original film. Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, was loosely based on Wintour, who served as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue from 1988 to 2025. During the conversation, Wintour acknowledged that it is “an honor” to be portrayed by Streep, though she noted that Miranda remains “distant” from her own persona.

Communicating Power Through Dress

A central theme of the discussion, posed by Greta Gerwig, was how women use fashion to communicate power. While Gerwig noted that dressing for power is often more “nebulous” for women than the clear-cut codes established for men, Wintour argued that women do not require to wear suits to project authority.

Wintour highlighted several women she admires for their style and presence, including:

• Michelle Obama: Cited as a primary example of power and style.
• Rama Duwaji: The wife of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom Wintour described as “cool” for her use of vintage clothing and for being “entirely herself.”
• Melania Trump: Wintour offered a more reserved compliment, stating that the former first lady “always looks like herself when she dresses.”

Streep’s Critique of Political Fashion

Meryl Streep used the platform to offer a sharp critique of Melania Trump’s fashion choices, specifically referencing a controversial 2018 moment. Streep pointed to the cargo jacket Trump wore during a visit to the New Hope Children’s Shelter in McAllen, Texas, which featured the phrase: “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?”

“I feel the most powerful message that our current first lady sent was in the coat that said ‘I Really Don’t Care, Do U?’ when she was going to notice migrant children who were incarcerated,” Streep remarked.

Streep emphasized that while dress is a means of self-expression, it is as well subject to “larger historical and political sweeps of expectation.”

Key Takeaways

• The Devil Wears Prada 2: Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Miranda Priestly in the upcoming sequel.
• Fashion as Power: Anna Wintour believes authenticity and personal style, such as vintage wear, can communicate power as effectively as traditional professional attire.
• Political Commentary: Streep views the “I Really Don’t Care” jacket as a significant, albeit critical, example of a political message delivered through fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who moderated the Vogue interview?

The conversation was moderated by Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie and Little Women, who is also directing Streep in a Netflix adaptation of Narnia.

What was the context of Melania Trump’s controversial jacket?

The jacket was worn in 2018 during a visit to child migrants on the US-Mexico border. Mrs. Trump later explained the message was intended for the “left-wing media” criticizing her.

Is Miranda Priestly based on Anna Wintour?

Yes, the character is loosely based on Wintour, though both Wintour and Streep have noted differences between the fictional character and the real-life editor.