It’s been almost two decades since The Devil Wears Prada redefined how commercial cinema could dialogue with fashion… and pop music. That film not only built a sophisticated visual imaginary; it also designed a soundscape that turned every impromptu catwalk and Miranda Priestly’s every look into a cultural moment.
Now, with the sequel on the way, the big question is not only what story will be told, but what the new Runway universe will sound like.
The musical legacy and when pop was a trend-setter
The original soundtrack was a lesson in musical curation. I didn’t want to be invisible: I wanted to have personality.
Among his selections were anthems by Madonna, U2, Jamiroquai and Alanis Morissette, while composer Theodore Shapiro provided an elegant score that balanced satire, emotion and sophistication.
But if there was one song that encapsulated the film’s DNA, it was “Vogue”: more than a theme, it was an aesthetic statement. It represented ambition, power and style – exactly what the narrative demanded.
Also etched in the collective memory was the use of KT Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See”, a perfect example of how a well-chosen track can elevate a scene to become a generational icon.
The lesson was clear, the music did not accompany the film – it defined it.
The first audible hint of the sequel
The return of “Vogue” in The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer doesn’t feel like a casual nostalgic gesture. It’s a smart strategy: reconnect emotionally with the original audience while introducing the story to new generations.
In terms of film branding, few decisions are as effective as reusing a cultural anthem to establish continuity.
This suggests something important:
👉 The sequel will probably not abandon the pop DNA that made the original a phenomenon.
👉 It will go for a mix of nostalgia and contemporaneity.
👉 And it will understand, again, that fashion needs rhythm.
Which artists could define the new sound?
While there is no official track list yet, the current pop ecosystem offers clear clues as to the kind of lineup that would make sense for a film whose central theme remains power, image and reinvention.
Names like Lady Gaga or Rihanna fit almost naturally into this universe: artists who not only produce hits, but also build aesthetic narratives around their music.
If the first film dialogued with the sophisticated pop of the 2000s, this sequel could lean on:
- Signature pop with a strong visual identity
- Elegant electronics
- Disco revival
- Refined hyper-pop
- Minimalist ballads for emotional moments
The key will be – as before – in the curatorship, not in the number of stars.
The decisive factor: the score
One of the smartest moves the production could make would be to bring back Theodore Shapiro.
Why does this matter?
Because the score was the emotional glue of the first film. While the songs set the cultural pulse, the original music guided the internal transformation of the characters.
In an industry increasingly dominated by playlists disguised as soundtracks, retaining a composer with a narrative sensibility would be a sign of creative ambition.
We would expect a score:
- more modern
- slightly more digital
- but just as elegant
Something that reflects a publishing world now traversed by algorithms, social media and experiential luxury.
What the soundtrack should really do
If the sequel wants to live up to its legacy, it’s not enough to rack up hits. It must understand what made the original work.
Music should fulfill four key functions:
1. Build identity
Runway is not just a fictional magazine – it is an aspirational symbol.
2. Marking a transformation
Andy changed through his wardrobe, but also through the sound that accompanied it.
3. Create viral moments
Today more than ever, a scene can live forever on networks if it has the right song.
4. Be culturally relevant
Do not follow trends – anticipate them.
A soundtrack that will once again set the tone
Everything suggests that The Devil Wears Prada 2 understands the weight of its heritage. The nod to “Vogue” suggests respect for the past, but also confidence in the symbolic power of music.
The film will most likely seek the same balance that made it a modern classic:
✔ global stars
✔ songs with attitude
✔ sophisticated score
✔ pop sensibility.
Because if the original taught us anything, it is this:
Fashion is seen.
Power is acted.
But style… is heard.
And if the sequel gets its soundtrack right, it won’t just accompany the return of Miranda Priestly.
It will be a trend-setter again.
