The fashion world rejoiced when it was announced that the iconic movie, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ was to be adapted into a West End musical. For those who don’t know, the musical tells the hilarious and inspiring story of aspiring journalist Andy who secures a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon, Miranda Priestly.

As someone who is a huge fan of the movie and musicals in general, I had no doubt that this production would be a triumph. Especially when it was announced that Vanessa Williams was on board to play the ruthless character of Miranda Priestly.  Vanessa is known for playing formidable characters, including her role as Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty, so it’s unsurprising that she was the director, Jerry Mitchells, first choice.

I was fortunate enough to see the musical during previews back in October and was blown away. With a talented cast comprised of not only Vanessa, but Matt Henry, Georgie Buckland, Amy Di Bartolomeo, Rhys Whitfield, and James Darch. As well as an award-winning creative team led by Elton John, and includes choreography by Jerry Mitchell, lyrics by Shaina Taub, and Mark Sonnenblick, book by Kate Wetherhead, and set design by Tim Hatley it’s no surprise that this new musical has already received rave reviews.

As someone who works in the fashion industry, and as mentioned before, is a huge fan of the movie, I was especially intrigued by the costumes and how costume designer, Gregg Barnes, would recreate the magic of the fashion that we all know and love from the screen. But recreate the magic he did. Dare I say, I may even love the costumes in the The Devil Wears Prada musical more than the movie.

Fashion is at the heart of the story, and it plays a key role in visualising the character development of Andy throughout. So, creating costumes that stayed true to this, whilst also allowing the actors to move and dance was imperative.

In the lead-up to the musical, Vanessa made it clear to Barnes that she didn’t want to look like Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep, or Wilhelmina Slater – a statement that formed the foundation to the costumes in the show.

He then gave Vanessa the ultimate Editor-in-Chief treatment by taking her on a shopping spree to Saks Fifth Avenue, where she tried on racks of couture clothes. Amazingly, they ended up walking out with pieces from Tom Ford, Dior, and Prada that are now in the show. Other pieces that eagle-eyed viewers may be able to spot in the show come from brands including Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, and Gucci.

The rest of Vanessa’s costumes were designed by Pamella Roland, who has been dressing the actress since 2004. “We approached this with a fresh perspective, creating a collection of clothes that exude power, timelessness, and wearability,” says Roland. “This Miranda has to be made for the stage.”

Some of my favourite Miranda looks from the musical include her entrance look – a crepe suit featuring an asymmetrical skirt with lace accents and a coordinating top. An outfit that is a nod to Rolland’s FW05 collection. The red silk blouse and leather skirt ensemble that Miranda wears during the fashion week scene was also a particular favourite. Interestingly, the outfit looks like a blouse tucked into a skirt, but it’s actually a one-piece. It was designed this way, with just one zip, to allow for quick changes backstage.

Of course, one of the most spectacular looks is the glittering red dress with a floor-sweeping, sequin-lined coat that Miranda wears to a fictional gala. The Devil never looked so good!

Whilst the show is set in 2005, the pieces sourced for the show are from anywhere from 1994 until today. The majority of the musical is set in an office so strong workwear is featured throughout including a Balmain suit for the character of Emily Charlton, played by Amy Di Bartolomeo.

Fans of the movie will be pleased to know that the blue cerulean sweater that Andy, played by Georgie Buckland, wears is featured in the musical. In fact, it’s the only piece in the entire musical that is an exact reference to the movie. The sweater is the subject of Miranda’s iconic monologue about the fashion system (if you know, you know), so of course it had to make an appearance.

You can watch The Devil Wears Prada musical at the Dominion Theatre in London.
Get your tickets at devilwearspradamusical.com.
That’s all.