What I'm re-watching ahead of Devil Wears Prada 2

Trailers suggest that DWP2 is about the business of fashion, and what it takes to run a global empire - in addition to the much anticipated binge fest of unattainable expensive designers and over the top glamour.  

With that in mind, below are my top picks for lead up viewing ahead of the DWP2 Wellington Premiere on 29 April, selected for coverage across a range of popular platforms. 

I'd love to hear what your favourite movies, shows and podcasts about fashion are, and where to find them. Add a comment below to share. 

The September Issue

Anna Wintour's response to the original DWP, this somewhat controlled look inside Vogue remains the best introduction to what goes in to making the monthly magazine and is my all time favourite fashion indulgence. The documentary provides useful context for the movies, introducing the people behind the names referenced in the original Devil Wears Prada. The documentary closely follows the now-legendary Grace Coddington as she creates magnificent fashion spreads and navigates Anna's editing process. 

Available on subscription or purchase at Apple, Arovision, and Prime. 

The Devil Wears Prada

The OG. With insider jokes expected from the sequel, it's worth swotting up, or at least making sure anyone who wasn't around 20 years ago has a chance to see the original. Having recently watched with my 14 year old fairy god daughter, I do have to acknowledge some weaknesses and ageing to the original story line. But we don't need to feed it to the models quite yet.

Available on subscription or rental at Disney+, Apple TV, Prime, or get in touch as I have it on disc.    

Shein: How the fast fashion disruptor ran into real world problems. 

Podcast from the BBC that examines the Shein business model and its impact on workers and the environment, and why it opened its first physical outlet in Paris. A podcast available on BBC 

The Marvelous Mrs Masiel

1950s styling is the uncredited narrator of this fictional series about an aspiring comic living in New York City. Marriage into a rag trading family explains the never ending array of beautiful dresses in Mrs Masiel's wardrobe. But watch carefully as the fashion choices evolve, helping to communicate the changing character and confidence of our heroine as she challenges social expectations.   

Available on Netflix.

Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy (2024)

Overview of the basic commercial strategies of global brands to encourage us to all buy more, the environmental damage of over consumption, and the lengths to which some firms will go to obfuscate responsibility. An option to help younger viewers think critically about the glamorous images being presented through advertising, movies and the fashion industry and encourage them to think for themselves. 

In Vogue: the 90s 

Charting some of the big cultural trends of the 90s - and how Vogue both responded to and shaped those moments - including the convergence of the fashion, movie, music and sport industries. Easy binge watching, lots of celebrity cameos, but does provide some context to some cultural trends of the 1990s. Worth watching just for the introduction to Vogue's Global Editor-at-large Hamish Bowles.   

Available on Disney+ 

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Worth watching just for the costumes and set design, which artistically portrays the  infamous excesses of this Austrian born princess. While only hinted at in the movie, this is another women who had a disproportionate impact on the fashion industry. For instance, reintroducing the practice of bathing (the French tended to avoid it at that time) led to changes in the marketing of French perfumes - from being a way to mask smells to one of high end luxury, personal indulgence and improvement. 

Available on Netflix.

Sex and the City - Season Four, Episode Two - The Real Me.

This episode was my first intro to Dolce and Gabbana, and sees Carrie strut the runway. I love it because it reminds us that stepping outside our comfort zone and being a little bit brave is part of finding out who we really are. And while it won't always go well and you might become fashion-roadkill, the most important bit in life is getting right back up again.... 

Available on Neon. Or get in touch.