The fashion world is abuzz as an iconic moment unfolds: Anna Wintour, the legendary global editorial director of Vogue, has graced the magazine’s cover for the first time. She appears alongside screen legend Meryl Streep, whose portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada was famously inspired by Wintour herself. This unprecedented Vogue cover, meticulously shot by Annie Leibovitz, marks a significant shift for Wintour. It’s a bold move, serving as a powerful prelude to the highly anticipated release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 (DWP2).
This stunning joint appearance, with both women notably clad in Prada, signals Wintour’s full embrace of the franchise that once satirized her formidable persona. It’s a complete turnaround from her reported initial dismissal of the original film. Twenty years later, Wintour is not only playing along but actively leveraging the sequel’s promotional tour to redefine her narrative and celebrate fashion’s enduring cultural impact.
An Iconic Cover: Bridging Cinema and Style
The May 2026 Vogue cover featuring Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep is more than just a magazine spread; it’s a cultural landmark. It represents a fascinating convergence of high fashion, Hollywood, and a deep dive into the dynamics of power. The idea, initially pitched by Vogue editor Chloe Malle, was met with Wintour’s characteristic skepticism. “That’s very flattering, Chloe, but it’s not really my style,” Wintour reportedly told her mentor last October.
However, the persuasive power of Meryl Streep proved irresistible. It was Streep who ultimately convinced Wintour to join her for this historic shoot. The resulting cover story is a compelling conversation between these two titans, moderated by filmmaker Greta Gerwig. They delve into diverse themes, from the nuances of professional presentation and the evolving landscape of fashion to deeply personal reflections on aging and the joys of grandparenting.
Decoding Power Through Fashion and Personal Style
The interview, published within the pages of Vogue, unpacks how women communicate power through their attire. Greta Gerwig prompted the discussion by noting the stark contrast between men’s clear “dress for the job you want” approach and women’s more complex sartorial choices. Anna Wintour, ever the advocate for authenticity, argued against the rigid requirement of “power suits.” She highlighted figures like Michelle Obama and New York City’s First Lady, Rama Duwaji, as examples of women who exude authority through their genuine, modern, and sometimes vintage styles. Wintour believes true power comes from dressing in a way that authentically reflects oneself.
Meryl Streep, however, offered a more critical perspective on societal pressures. She pointed to the expectation for women in positions of power to display “bare arms” on television, interpreting it as a subtle mechanism to make powerful women appear “little” and “not threatening.” Streep also controversially referenced Melania Trump’s “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket. She declared it “the most powerful message that our current first lady sent,” emphasizing how women’s self-expression through dress is often subjected to “larger historical and political sweeps of expectation.” This sharp commentary showcases the interview’s willingness to tackle broader cultural dialogues.
The Enduring Legacy of The Devil Wears Prada
The original Devil Wears Prada film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, was initially a source of contention. Many saw it as a “lacerating portrait” of Wintour and her magazine. Meryl Streep herself recalled that the fashion industry “was afraid of Anna on the first one,” leading to difficulties in sourcing clothes for the movie. Collaboration was seen as risking permanent loss of access to Vogue. The film often depicted Miranda Priestly with unrealistic demands and dismissive behavior, even while acknowledging her “magazine-making genius.”
Yet, Wintour’s reaction to the film has profoundly evolved. From reportedly hoping it would go straight to DVD, to giving a “mixed reaction,” she later confessed to New Yorker editor David Remnick that she found the movie “highly enjoyable” and “very funny.” Wintour now praises the film’s unexpected benefit: its portrayal of fashion as a significant global economic force. She observes that the industry is thriving and expanding its reach through multiple platforms, becoming more democratic and culturally central than ever before. This full embrace includes Wintour’s announcement that Weisberger’s novel will be the next pick for the Vogue Book Club, alongside an early screening of DWP2. Malle even vowed to “invite as many former assistants to Anna as we can find” to the event.
Miranda Priestly Reimagined: Insights into DWP2
The upcoming sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, is set to revisit the iconic characters, and Meryl Streep offers intriguing insights into Miranda Priestly’s evolution. Streep’s motivation for returning to the role stemmed from an interest in the business aspect of managing a large organization and exploring how such institutions adapt in a rapidly changing world. She describes Miranda’s style in DWP2 as “simpler,” “more essentially her,” with less “floppy” hair, projecting a “fearless” quality. Streep also hints at a “new era” awaiting Andy, Emily, and Nigel, promising fresh narratives for the beloved characters.
Streep revealed the intense method acting she employed for the first film, consciously maintaining distance from her co-stars to stay in character. She admitted feeling “miserable the whole time” while her castmates “had a fabulous time.” This dedication to her craft underscores her commitment to the role. Wintour, initially uncertain about the sequel, found reassurance after calling Streep directly. Streep confirmed the script was “going to be all right,” a sentiment Wintour implicitly trusted. Streep cryptically describes the DWP2 ending as both “real and… triumphant,” building anticipation for the film’s release.
Age, Wisdom, and Unexpected Connections
The Vogue interview also explored personal reflections on aging and life. Both Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep, at 76 years old, share a remarkably positive outlook on their age. Wintour sees it as an advantage, fostering a sense of “balance and proportion” and enabling effective leadership. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning from younger generations and her teams. Streep, in embodying Miranda, drew on Wintour’s sense of responsibility, curiosity, and interest in the world as key to staying “alive.”
Both grandmothers, Streep (of six) and Wintour (of four, plus four step-grandchildren), bonded over balancing demanding careers with family life. Streep described grandparenting as “divine,” a “fleeting joy” to be savored. Wintour recounted prioritizing family by making time for children’s events, confidently stating that “Vogue could always wait.” Streep shared a poignant philosophy on loss, asserting, “We don’t lose people. We keep them and they keep working,” a sentiment echoed by Wintour regarding Vogue‘s foundation in history. When asked about swapping jobs, Wintour humorously claimed “no gifts” for Streep’s profession, while Streep admitted she would dread Wintour’s daily shoe choices but would relish working with young people and nurturing beauty. Perhaps the most surprising revelation from the entire feature? A genealogy report by Ancestry claimed that Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep are, in fact, sixth cousins.
Anna Wintour’s Evolving Persona and Strategic Re-Branding
Anna Wintour’s highly visible presence on The Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour is a masterclass in strategic personal branding. Despite not being creatively involved in the film, she is effectively transforming a franchise that once satirized her into a vehicle for her own image. This marks a distinct evolution from her initial aversion to the original movie, which many considered a “lacerating portrait.”
Now, Wintour, who has transitioned from day-to-day editor to global editorial director, is appearing as the cover subject of a magazine she no longer directly runs. This unusual move for a journalistic entity showcases her “iron will” and her calculated shift from a seemingly untouchable “ice-cold editor” to a more accessible, “game part of the enormous press tour.” Her “seeming omnipresence” is a calculated effort to leverage public fascination, ensuring that despite a major motion picture release and significant developments across Condé Nast, the conversation surrounding The Devil Wears Prada 2 remains, in many ways, “all about Anna.” She has cannily positioned her “sunglass-wearing hauteur” against mass culture, proving that her unique brand of star power “insists upon itself at all costs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key takeaways from Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep’s Vogue cover story interview?
The Vogue cover story featuring Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep, moderated by Greta Gerwig, delved into themes of power, fashion, aging, and commitment. Key takeaways include Wintour’s belief in authentic self-expression over “power suits,” Streep’s critique of societal pressures on women in power (including the “bare arms” expectation and the Melania Trump jacket controversy), and both women’s positive outlook on aging as a source of wisdom. A surprising revelation was that Wintour and Streep are sixth cousins. The interview also touched upon their shared joy in grandparenting and their differing perspectives on work-life balance.
How has Anna Wintour’s stance on The Devil Wears Prada evolved over time?
Anna Wintour’s initial reaction to The Devil Wears Prada was reportedly one of disdain, with an expectation that the film would go “straight to DVD.” The fashion industry itself was hesitant to engage with the movie, fearing repercussions from Wintour and Vogue. However, as the film gained massive popularity, Wintour’s perspective shifted dramatically. She later admitted to finding the movie “highly enjoyable” and “very funny,” acknowledging its positive impact on the global perception of the fashion industry. Now, with the upcoming sequel, DWP2, Wintour has fully embraced the franchise, appearing on the Vogue cover to promote it and integrating its themes into Vogue‘s editorial initiatives.
What can viewers expect from Miranda Priestly’s character in The Devil Wears Prada 2?
Meryl Streep has offered intriguing glimpses into Miranda Priestly’s character in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Streep, who returned to the role to explore the business aspects of leading a large organization in a changing world, describes Miranda’s new style as “simpler,” “more essentially her,” and possessing a “fearless” quality. The character will feature less “floppy” hair, signaling a refined, more distilled persona. Streep also indicated that a “new era” awaits the other beloved characters, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. She hinted that the sequel’s ending will be “real and… triumphant,” promising a compelling and satisfying continuation of the story.
The collaboration between Anna Wintour and Meryl Streep for the Vogue cover story and the promotional push for The Devil Wears Prada 2 signifies a captivating moment in popular culture. It highlights Wintour’s evolving public image and her strategic ability to shape narratives. From initial skepticism to full embrace, Wintour’s journey with The Devil Wears Prada reflects a master strategist’s pivot, turning a perceived challenge into a powerful platform for re-branding and reinforcing her undeniable influence. As DWP2 hits screens, it will not only be a film event but a testament to the lasting power of fashion, cinema, and the iconic women who shape them.
