'The Devil Wears Prada' Rewatch: Was 'Vogue' Really Like That?

'The Devil Wears Prada' Rewatch: Was 'Vogue' Really Like That?

From Back Row with Amy Odell by Amy Odell

April 6, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

Amy Odell and Richard Lawson discuss the realities behind 'The Devil Wears Prada' and its connection to Vogue.

How much was Vogue really like The Devil Wears Prada? Amy Odell sits down with former Vanity Fair critic and the author of the Premiere Party newsletter, Richard Lawson, to rewatch The Devil Wears Prada before the sequel drops. Amy interviewed more than 250 people to write Anna: The Biography, including Anna Wintour's closest friends and collaborators. Richard worked at Condé Nast for a dozen years — and has stories. They review the movie's origin story, break down each scene, and talk about what was totally real and what was totally made up. In Part 2 for Premium subscribers, the discuss how the movie impacted Anna Wintour's public image and how she really felt about all of it. Part 2 is available to Premium subscribers. Sign up at Back Row for full newsletter access or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify. CHAPTERS: 01:30 — The Devil Wears Prada Origin Story 05:50 — How the Film Elevates the Book 09:10 — Richard’s Real-life Andy Sachs Experience 17:00 — The Movie’s Opening Montage 20:10 — Miranda’s Arrival: “A Million Girls Would Kill For This Job” 24:50 — Andy’s Boring Boyfriend 31:00 — What was it Really Like for Assistants in the Aughts? 34:20 — Would Andy Have Succeeded…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Odell

Guest: Richard Lawson

Topics covered

  • fashion
  • film analysis
  • Vogue
  • The Devil Wears Prada
  • Anna Wintour
  • media industry

Keywords

  • The Devil Wears Prada
  • Vogue
  • Anna Wintour
  • Richard Lawson
  • film analysis
  • fashion industry
  • media

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vogue, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast

Books & works: The Devil Wears Prada, Anna: The Biography

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