20 Years After The Devil Wears Prada: Exploring the Golden Era of New York

A Journey Through Time

More than 20 years after the release of The Devil Wears Prada in 2006, the image of New York portrayed in the film remains vivid in the minds of many. The opening scene featuring women in Manhattan gearing up for a bustling workday, along with Meryl Streep's iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs, has become emblematic of a fashion world that has evolved significantly since then.

The film grossed $326 million, shedding light on an industry that many ordinary people may not have considered before. Through its depiction of the culture, lifestyle, and famous spots in New York, The Devil Wears Prada offers insights into the fashion world that might still be unfamiliar to us.

Iconic Locations from the Film

The film's locations are not just backdrops; they are central characters in the story. From the fictional Elias-Clark office on 6th Avenue, where tense confrontations between Miranda and her assistants unfold, to upscale restaurants and boutiques, each setting reflects a glamorous New York entwined with the publishing and fashion industries.

Today, the building at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, which served as the backdrop for Elias-Clark, still exudes charm with its upscale shops and the buzz of major businesses. While it may not be the actual Condé Nast, the sense of power it embodies is undeniable. Moreover, this building houses major companies like Deloitte and NBCUniversal.

Condé Nast, where Anna Wintour worked, moved to 1 World Trade Center in 2014, but 4 Times Square - a location featured in the film - remains and is now home to several tech companies like TikTok.

The Real Fashion World and Different Perspectives

When discussing the fashion world, one cannot overlook the film's costume budget. Patricia Field, the costume designer, reportedly spent around $1 million to dress Andy's character. However, many journalists and fashion editors have pointed out that real life is often not as glamorous as depicted on screen.

Kristen Shirley, a former fashion editor, shared that reality does not mirror the film's portrayal. For her, lunch often consisted of quick, casual bites from places like Hale & Hearty or McDonald's. Dining at upscale restaurants like Smith & Wollensky is not a common occurrence for editors in their everyday lives.

The Culinary Culture of New York Back Then

If you ever thought that meals for those in the fashion industry were exclusively steak and high-end dishes, think again. While Andy hustles for gourmet food in the film, the reality might simply be a meal at Applebee's or a casual café.

This contrast paints a vibrant picture of New York in the 2000s. It was a time when major names in fashion still held sway, but gradually, shifts in culture and consumer trends have altered many aspects of the industry.

Helpful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers

For those planning to explore New York, here are some essential tips:

Visa: Vietnamese travelers need a visa to enter the U.S. You can apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2) at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cost: A meal in New York typically ranges from 300,000 VND for fast food to 1 million VND for a casual dining experience.
Flight: Flights from Vietnam to New York usually start at around 15 million VND, depending on booking time and airline.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit New York are from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and cultural activities abound.

Conclusion

Revisiting The Devil Wears Prada is not just a nostalgic journey but also an opportunity to explore the changes in the cultural and social landscape of New York. While the film's locations may have evolved, the city continues to thrive and transform, offering new experiences for travelers.

Article referenced and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler