Wintour & Streep Unite on Vogue Cover for ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’

Wintour and Streep Share Vogue Cover

In a striking image that merges the worlds of fashion and film, Vogue’s May cover features two of pop culture’s most recognizable figures: Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour. Streep, embodying her iconic character Miranda Priestly, and Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer, appear together in a Prada-clad spread. This collaboration marks a significant moment, as it coincides with anticipation for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ set to release next month.

A Nod to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’

The cover’s concept directly references the beloved 2006 film ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ Streep, dressed as the formidable fictional magazine editor Miranda Priestly, playfully addresses Wintour in a short video accompanying the photoshoot. “Oh, that’s not what you’re wearing to the dinner,” Streep says, adopting Priestly’s sharp tone. Wintour, playing herself, responds with a touch of humor, stating, “I’d like to say it’s such an honor to be played by Meryl. However, distant Miranda is from myself.” This playful exchange highlights the unique relationship between the actress and the real-life inspiration for her character.

Wintour’s Rare Cover Appearance

The appearance of Anna Wintour on the cover of Vogue is a notable event. As the long-time editor-in-chief of the magazine she helmed for decades, Wintour has historically remained behind the scenes. This is her first time gracing the cover of the publication she guided for so many years. The iconic photographs were captured by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, adding another layer of prestige to the cover.

Industry Reflections and Challenges

Meryl Streep, in her commentary for Vogue, drew parallels between the art of the new movie and the current state of the magazine industry. She observed that “Everything’s disintegrating,” reflecting on the challenges facing print media. Streep expressed interest in the business aspect of running a large organization, noting, “That thing of carrying the weight of many, many people’s jobs. Running a big organization, keeping it going somehow.” Her words underscore the complex realities of leading a major media company in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Vogue and Condé Nast’s Evolving Business

While Vogue, owned by Condé Nast, is a private company and does not release specific earnings, available information suggests a challenging period for the magazine industry. Condé Nast reportedly lost money for several years in the 2010s, according to The Wall Street Journal. In response to these pressures, Vogue reduced its print publication schedule from 12 issues per year to eight earlier this year. Condé Nast’s CEO has indicated that the company is now profitable again, citing strong double-digit growth in digital subscription revenue. However, specific subscriber and circulation numbers for Vogue were not provided.

Past Distancing and Present Embrace

Twenty years ago, Anna Wintour publicly distanced herself from the sharp portrayal of Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ emphasizing that the movie was fiction. This was notable given the film was based on a book by one of her former assistants. Despite this initial distance, Wintour has generally been complimentary of the film over time, acknowledging its humor and wit. The movie’s success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, cemented its place in popular culture.

Enduring Influence in a Fragmented Media Era

In an era defined by fragmented media and a proliferation of influencers, the joint appearance of Wintour and Streep on the Vogue cover carries significant weight. Their partnership, with the two icons literally leaning into each other, symbolizes an enduring influence. The excitement surrounding the sequel suggests that the legacy of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ continues to resonate. Anna Wintour is widely considered Vogue’s biggest asset, and the industry continues to look to her for direction. This cover aims to solidify their respective legacies, both on the pages of a magazine and on the silver screen.

Source: Anna Wintour appears alongside Meryl Streep on the cover of Vogue (YouTube)