From Runway to Reality: What The Devil Wears Prada Gets Wrong About PR
Published on October 29, 2o25, at 10:08 a.m.
By Emma Breithaupt
If you’re like me, the first thing you think of when someone says “fashion PR” is The Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep’s glares, Anne Hathaway’s fashion choices and endless coffee runs. It’s iconic, and a little terrifying.
With talk of a new Devil Wears Prada sequel set to hit theaters in May of 2026, everyone’s buzzing about fashion PR all over again. But as fun as the original was, it still gets public relations totally wrong. The reality of PR is far less glamorous and way more strategic than running around fetching lattes.
In the movie, hungry intern Andrea Sachs spends her days juggling impossible requests from Runway Magazine’s Miranda Priestly. That might feel like PR if all you know is Hollywood, but in real life, PR professionals are building relationships that last a lifetime. We’re writing press releases, pitching journalists, managing brand reputation and analyzing media coverage to make sure our efforts have impact. It’s not glamorous runway drama, it’s intentional work.
In my struggle to understand the topic, I recently read an article by Brandon Cox, a PR executive. He mentioned that movies often make PR seem like constant crises and high-fashion chaos, but the real work is much more about strategy and storytelling. He points out that what audiences usually see on screen is only a fraction of what PR really involves.
Fashion PR is typically shown as all about style and social events. Sure, we get to see some of the fun side, like launches or influencer partnerships, but it’s not what defines the job. PR spans industries from tech to nonprofits, and the core is always communication, relationship building and reputation management.
According to PRWeek, successful PR campaigns are grounded in research, planning and long-term relationships rather than drama or star power.
I think part of why The Devil Wears Prada sticks in our minds is because it’s entertaining. It makes people feel like PR is this impossible, high-stakes world full of deadlines and designer dresses.
As someone who loves storytelling and strategy, I can promise you that PR is way more rewarding than surviving fashion editor temper tantrums. It’s about connecting brands with audiences and telling stories that matter.
So my fellow PR friends, the next time someone references Miranda Priestly as a PR role model, just smile, sip your latte and remember that real PR is about brains, heart and creativity—not just Prada heels.
