In 2003, author Lauren Weisberger spent much of her press tour for The Devil Wears Prada denying its connection to real-life experiences. In an interview with Publishers Weekly, she stated,
"So much of the book is composed of stories from my friends. A lot of my girlfriends ended up in publishing and in magazines, or doing fashion PR or advertising. Horror stories are the same the world over."
The stories Weisberger shared were set at Vogue, where she worked under Anna Wintour, the real-life inspiration for the fictional Miranda Priestly in the novel. Over the past 20 years, the book, its film adaptation, a musical, and the recent sequel have evolved into a cultural phenomenon—far surpassing the initial gossip surrounding its release.
This cultural embrace reached new heights in May 2024, coinciding with the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Vogue itself published dozens of articles celebrating the milestone, marking a stark contrast to the publication’s initial response in 2003.
Vogue’s Shift in Tone: From Denial to Celebration
In 2003, Wintour’s stance on the book was carefully crafted to downplay its connections. A New York Times article by David Carr highlighted her efforts to keep Vogue relevant, including her decision to feature celebrities on the cover instead of models. The piece concluded with a revealing vignette about Wintour’s reaction to the book:
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