Why The Devil Wears Prada 2 Felt Bigger Than Fashion

I treated myself on Friday to a morning to myself and headed to the cinema to watch one of the first showing of The Devil Wears Prada 2. It did not disappoint, it filled the void since the first film 20 years ago that I have watched more times than I care to remember. The fashion was great, the script was sharp, and there were a couple of mentioned of thrifted pieces which I was very happy to see.

But you may be surprised to hear that one of my favourite moments had nothing to do with the fashion at all, and was the very last shot of the film. There are no spoilers here, but I was immediately reminded of one of my favourite films of all time, the 1988 classic, Working Girl starring Melanie Griffith. A film I have watched so many times and if you’ve never watched it, I would highly recommend it.

The reason it’s one of my favourite films is that it tells a classic tale. The story of a working class woman in 1980’s New York, fighting for her place in the financial sector in a hugely male-dominated environment.

Again, no spoilers, but the end of Working Girl is hugely uplifting and makes me cry every time, but in the best way. It’s empowering, inspiring and I think of it often. So when the last scene played out in TDWP2, I immediately saw the parallels to Working Girl, and how it was a true homage to that ending. 

Beyond the fashion, this was a truly special scene for me, the sequel felt like one riddled with female-empowerment, so it was only fitting that this ending mirrored that of Working Girl.

Working alongside many female-owned businesses, this community is one where there doesn’t feel like there’s competition, but support. We’re all in this together, finding our way, hustling where needed, the endless juggling, but female empowered always.