The much-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has finally arrived, but its handling of body image has sparked criticism. During the global press tour, stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway hinted that the film would champion body diversity, citing concerns over the thinness of models at Milan Fashion Week. However, the reality falls short, with the first weight joke landing within 15 minutes, and inclusivity limited to a few plus-size models like Ashley Graham in a catwalk montage and the casting of comedian Caleb Hearon as Miranda Priestly's assistant.
A Return to Noughties Diet Culture
The original 2006 film was a product of its time, when body-shaming was rampant and celebrities' bodies were scrutinized in magazines. Lines like Emily Charlton's "I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight" became iconic. The sequel attempts to address this legacy but instead relies on similar gags, including a reference to the weight-loss drug Ozempic. This approach feels outdated given the body positivity movement that gained momentum in the 2010s.
Industry Progress and Setbacks
In 2017, Ashley Graham became the first plus-size model on the cover of Vogue, and in 2023, British Vogue featured plus-size models on its cover with the headline "The New Supers." However, by 2026, a Vogue Business report found that 97.6% of looks in womenswear collections were shown on straight-size models (UK sizes 4-8), with only 0.3% on plus-size models. High street progress has also stalled, with some brands moving plus-size ranges online only. Factors like right-wing gender politics and the widespread use of weight-loss drugs have contributed to this reversal.
Weight as Status Symbol
The rise of GLP-1 medications for weight loss has made thinness a status symbol, particularly in Hollywood. The Met Gala's theme "Fashion is Art" encourages guests to express their relationship with fashion as an embodied art form, further emphasizing the trend. Against this backdrop, the sequel's weight jokes feel like a reflection of how little progress has been made off-screen.
Character Dynamics and Missed Opportunities
In the sequel, Andy (Hathaway) describes herself as Miranda's "former fat assistant," a callback to the first film. Hathaway, a US size 4, wore a padded prosthetic in the original, but now Andy has maintained her weight loss for two decades while becoming an award-winning journalist. Later, Miranda mocks the term "body positivity," puffing out her cheeks and calling it "body negative." These moments highlight the film's failure to evolve beyond outdated stereotypes.
Ultimately, The Devil Wears Prada 2 serves as a stark reminder that despite years of advocacy, the fashion industry and Hollywood still have a long way to go in embracing true body diversity.
