The promotional tour for the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 cinematic staple The Devil Wears Prada arrived in Miami this week, bringing a high-fashion spectacle to the South Florida coast. British actress Simone Ashley, who joins the franchise in a prominent new role, appeared at the official photo call held at a luxury waterfront venue, drawing significant attention from both the film industry and the global fashion community. For the occasion, Ashley and her stylist, Rebecca Corbin-Murray, opted for a piece of fashion history: an archival horse-print dress from Chloé’s Spring 2001 collection. This choice reflects a burgeoning trend among A-list celebrities who are increasingly eschewing contemporary runway looks in favor of vintage pieces that carry historical weight and narrative significance.
The event, organized by 20th Century Studios, serves as a pivotal stop in a global press junket designed to reintroduce the world of Runway magazine to a new generation. While the original film focused on the grueling hierarchy of print journalism, the sequel is reported to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape, influencer culture, and the survival of traditional luxury brands in a fast-paced tech environment. Ashley’s presence in the film is seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between the established legacy of the original cast and the contemporary appeal of stars who have risen to prominence through streaming platforms.
The Archival Significance of Chloé Spring 2001
The dress worn by Simone Ashley is more than a simple wardrobe choice; it is a relic from a transformative era for the French fashion house Chloé. The Spring 2001 collection marked the final season for Stella McCartney as the creative director of Chloé before she departed to launch her eponymous label. During her tenure, McCartney was credited with revitalizing the brand, infusing it with a sense of "Cool Britannia" and a youthful, feminine energy that defined the turn of the millennium.
The horse print, featured prominently on Ashley’s turquoise mini-dress, became one of the most recognizable motifs of that era. It symbolized a shift toward playful, graphic-heavy designs that contrasted with the minimalism of the 1990s. By selecting a piece that is over two decades old, Ashley participates in the "archival revival" movement currently dominating red carpets. This movement is driven by both a desire for sustainability and a quest for individuality, as archival pieces ensure that a star will not be seen in the same outfit as a contemporary peer.
The garment itself is a silk-blend shift dress featuring a high neckline and a fluid silhouette, characteristic of McCartney’s early work. However, the reception of the look among fashion analysts has been multifaceted. While many praise the historical nod, others have noted that the specific shade of turquoise and the thinness of the vintage fabric can be difficult to photograph under the intense, direct sunlight of a Miami afternoon. The "Leo" sandal by Jimmy Choo, a minimalist strappy heel, was selected to complement the dress without competing with the bold equestrian print.
Chronology of The Devil Wears Prada 2 Development
The journey to a sequel for The Devil Wears Prada has been a long and speculative one, spanning nearly twenty years. The original film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, grossed over $326 million at the global box office and earned Meryl Streep an Academy Award nomination. Discussions regarding a follow-up intensified in late 2023 when Disney-owned 20th Century Studios confirmed that a script was in development.
- July 2024: Initial reports surfaced that Aline Brosh McKenna, the screenwriter of the original film, was in talks to return. The plot was rumored to center on Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) navigating the decline of traditional magazine publishing while facing off against her former assistant, Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), who is now a high-powered executive at a luxury fashion conglomerate.
- September 2024: Simone Ashley was officially cast in a "key fashion-forward role," sparking immediate interest in how her character would interact with the established trio of Priestly, Charlton, and Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway).
- January 2025: Principal photography began in New York City and Paris, with additional locations in Miami and Milan added to reflect the global nature of the modern fashion industry.
- May 2026: The promotional tour commenced, with the Miami photo call serving as the first major public appearance for the new ensemble cast.
The timeline suggests a meticulously planned rollout, aimed at maximizing nostalgia while introducing fresh elements to the narrative. The inclusion of Ashley, known for her breakout role in Bridgerton, provides the production with a link to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic that may not have been of movie-going age when the first film was released.
Stylist Strategy and Market Implications
Rebecca Corbin-Murray, the architect behind Ashley’s look, is widely regarded as one of the most influential stylists in the industry. Her roster includes stars such as Florence Pugh and Lily James, and her approach often involves "method dressing"—the practice of selecting clothes that reflect the themes or aesthetic of the project being promoted.
In the context of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the decision to go archival is a meta-commentary on the film’s subject matter. The fashion industry is currently obsessed with its own history, with brands like Gucci, Celine, and Chloé frequently mining their archives for "new" inspiration. By wearing a 2001 Chloé dress, Ashley aligns herself with the high-fashion elite who view vintage not as "old clothes," but as "curated assets."
Data from fashion resale platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective indicate that whenever a high-profile celebrity wears an archival piece, searches for that specific brand and era spike significantly. Following Ashley’s appearance in Miami, searches for "vintage Chloé horse print" rose by an estimated 45% within 24 hours. This "celebrity effect" underscores the symbiotic relationship between red carpet appearances and the secondary luxury market.
Critical Reception and Industry Reactions
While the film’s studio has maintained a strictly positive narrative, independent fashion critics have offered a more nuanced view of the Miami ensemble. The consensus among some digital fashion outlets, such as the influential blog Tom and Lorenzo, suggests a disconnect between the actress’s undeniable screen presence and the "real-world" translation of certain high-fashion concepts.
Critics noted that while the archival Chloé dress is a collector’s item, its "flimsy" and "chintzy" appearance in high-resolution photography may not have done justice to Ashley’s stature. The turquoise color palette, described by some as having a "bathroomy harshness," was a bold departure from the more traditional glamour often seen at film photo calls. However, proponents of the look argue that the "casually poolside" vibe was perfectly suited for the Miami setting and demonstrated a refusal to adhere to the rigid "theme-dressing" that has become common in Hollywood press tours (e.g., Margot Robbie’s Barbie-inspired wardrobe).
Industry insiders suggest that these varied reactions are exactly what the studio desires. In the digital age, a "safe" outfit generates little engagement. A polarizing look, however, sparks debate, trends on social media, and keeps the film at the center of the cultural conversation.
Broader Impact on the Film Franchise and Fashion Trends
The Miami photo call is a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing The Devil Wears Prada 2. The film must satisfy long-term fans who expect the acerbic wit and impeccable styling of the original, while also proving its relevance in a world where TikTok trends can move faster than a monthly magazine cycle.
Simone Ashley’s role is symbolic of this transition. As an actress of South Asian descent, her inclusion also points toward a more inclusive and diverse representation of the fashion world than was present in 2006. The choice of archival Chloé reinforces the idea that the "new" fashion world is one that respects its heritage but isn’t afraid to recontextualize it for a modern audience.
As the press tour continues toward its New York premiere, the industry will be watching closely to see if the film can capture the same lightning-in-a-bottle success as its predecessor. Whether through archival Chloé or cutting-edge couture, the message remains clear: in the world of Runway, appearances are everything, and every choice—from a cerulean sweater to a turquoise horse-print dress—is made with calculated intent. The sequel is poised not just to be a film, but a major cultural and commercial event that will influence retail trends and red carpet strategies for years to come.
