Streep & hathaway dazzle in tokyo, setting the stage for 'prada 2'

The Fashion world held its breath as Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep arrived in Tokyo this morning for the highly anticipated Asia premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the sequel; it was a masterclass in high-Fashion spectacle, a fitting tribute to the film’s inherent obsession with style.

A couture collision: valentino & chanel reign supreme

Streep, a legend in her own right, commanded attention in a meticulously crafted Chanel ensemble by Matthieu Blazy, a testament to the house’s enduring power. Hathaway, however, truly stole the show, emerging in a breathtaking strapless gown from Valentino’s spring 2026 couture collection, complete with the brand’s signature Rockstud heels. The dress, a vision of cascading ruffles, felt both modern and utterly timeless – a perfect embodiment of the character she’s reprising.

“The pressure is significant, naturally,” admitted Erin Walsh, Hathaway’s stylist and the architect of this global press tour’s wardrobe. Walsh, whose relationship with Hathaway stretches back to 2019, is clearly relishing the challenge. Her connection to the original film, having worked at Vogue under the legendary Phyllis Posnick when the first Prada premiered, gives her a unique perspective on the world of high-Fashion editorial she’s recreating.

Walsh’s mission this time around isn’t simply to dress Hathaway, but to weave a narrative through clothing, connecting the past and present of Andy Sachs. “It’s been an exercise of joy,” she explained, “having the opportunity to tie in layers of Andy with Annie [Hathaway’s name], and playing with all of the different designers.” The stylist’s work on Hathaway’s campy Oscars skit with Anna Wintour, a moment of pure, joyful absurdity, hints at the playful approach to be expected.

Honoring the legacy, forging a new path

The press tour kicked off in Mexico City last week with two striking looks. First, a Schiaparelli dress, fringed and dramatic, accented by a sculptural gold belt. “Being at Frida Kahlo’s house, we wanted to honor that Fashion-as-art idea,” Walsh noted. The choice of black to “ground it,” as she put it, also feels particularly prescient given the upcoming Met Gala theme.

This was followed by a red Stella McCartney frock paired with thigh-high leather boots – a subtle but deliberate nod to the iconic leather Chanel boots worn by Andy in the original film. Walsh emphasized the importance of paying tribute to Pat Field’s groundbreaking costume design, calling it “such a great example of Fashion storytelling, and really being unafraid to go to magical and unexpected places.” The goal, however, is to showcase Annie’s evolution two decades later, through a considered exploration of color, proportion, and texture.

Expect the tour to explode with a supernova of style. Walsh envisions a wardrobe that embraces joy, irreverence, confidence, and strength. “We have to deliver!” she declared, hinting at the return of certain signature colors – most notably, a flash of cerulean blue. And, of course, the modern journalist’s wardrobe will be reinterpreted through clever tailoring, blending masculine and feminine elements.

The unexpected twist? Walsh is simultaneously styling Hathaway for her upcoming Mother Mary press tour – a complete shift in aesthetic, moving from the icy world of high fashion to the vibrant energy of a diva-pop star. “We’ll have to differentiate that whole week in the middle,” Walsh admitted with a smile. The challenge is welcomed, a testament to her skill and Hathaway’s unwavering trust. It’s a testament to the fact that in the world of fashion, as in life, adaptability is the ultimate accessory.