Fashion Spoilers, from ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘American Love Story’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Leaked set photos from The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story fueled heated debates this summer. Fans scrutinized bold fashion choices, from Anne Hathaway’s patchwork dress to Sarah Pidgeon’s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy looks. While polarizing, experts say the chatter reflects fashion’s power to shape storytelling.


Fashion Spoilers Spark Debate Over Prada, American Love Story – Quick Looks
- Paparazzi shots of Anne Hathaway in Jacquemus heels and Gabriela Hearst dress stirred buzz.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 costume design by Molly Rogers divided fans online.
- Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly with a pink bedazzled water bottle shocked audiences.
- Influencers dissected handbags and outfits on TikTok, sparking fan-led sourcing hunts.
- American Love Story first-look photos of Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy drew criticism.
- Fans argued her styling missed Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic ’90s minimalist chic.
- Designers defended the leaked looks, citing missing dramatic context.
- Ryan Murphy acknowledged underestimating public investment in Bessette-Kennedy’s legacy.
- Experts say spoiler photos create powerful brand impact, sometimes eclipsing runway shows.
- Despite the backlash, buzz likely benefits both productions’ visibility.

Deep Look: Fashion Spoilers From Prada Sequel and American Love Story Dominate Summer Conversations
NEW YORK — For movie fans, spoilers usually reveal plot twists. But for fashion enthusiasts, spoilers are about what characters wear — and this summer, leaked photos from The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story became some of the most-discussed images online.
From Anne Hathaway’s multicolored Gabriela Hearst maxi dress to Sarah Pidgeon’s portrayal of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in oversized Hermès accessories, costume choices ignited debates across social platforms. The reaction highlighted both the power of fashion in storytelling and the high expectations tied to beloved characters and real-life icons.
Prada 2: A Sequel Meets High Fashion Scrutiny
Filming for The Devil Wears Prada 2 brought cast and crew to New York’s bustling streets, making it impossible to keep costumes under wraps. Paparazzi and fan-shot footage quickly made its way online, sparking feverish commentary about how Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) would look nearly two decades after the first film.
Fashion influencers leaned into the spoilers. Newman Parker, a 25-year-old TikTok creator and longtime fan of the original movie, launched a series identifying handbags spotted on set. Followers joined in, trading tips on sourcing rare pieces and evaluating whether Hathaway’s wardrobe lived up to expectations.
Parker’s favorite was Hathaway in a colorful patchwork maxi dress by Gabriela Hearst, paired with a bucket hat. Some critics called it too trendy for Andy, who in the original film transformed reluctantly from disinterested journalist to Runway fashion insider. But for Parker, the look sparked anticipation:
“I just hope the garments are beautiful on screen. I’m hungry for something fresh, beyond the spoilers.”
Costume designer Molly Rogers, who stepped in after Patricia Field’s iconic work in the first film, has already faced polarized reactions. Rogers’ bold designs for And Just Like That split Sex and the City fans — and paparazzi shots of Streep’s Miranda Priestly carrying a bedazzled pink water bottle left audiences equally stunned.
Industry experts, however, caution against judging costumes without context. Deborah Nadoolman Landis, director of UCLA’s Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design, noted:
“When we see somebody on the street, we don’t know the dramatic context — whether it’s a full scene, a cameo, or a sight gag.”
American Love Story: Capturing Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Meanwhile, Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story, chronicling the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, faced its own storm of criticism after early set photos leaked.
Known for her effortless ’90s minimalist chic — monochrome slip dresses, crisp men’s shirts, and understated luxury — Bessette-Kennedy remains a style muse. Fans, critics, and even her friends were quick to point out what they saw as inaccuracies in Sarah Pidgeon’s wardrobe, from a too-large Hermès Birkin to the wrong shade of blonde.
Celebrity stylist Ann Caruso, who knew Bessette-Kennedy personally, voiced frustration:
“She made such an impression with her fashion. They seemed to get JFK Jr. right, but not capturing her is such a disappointment.”
Murphy defended the creative direction in an interview with Puck News, admitting he hadn’t anticipated such passionate reactions:
“I had no idea people cared as much as they do.”
For Jack Sehnert, who runs the popular Instagram account @carolynbessette, the criticism may give way to nuance.
“I think we’ll see artistic license at work. Carolyn is now treated like Princess Diana or Jackie Kennedy — a cultural icon open to reinterpretation.”
Spoilers as Strategy?
Though divisive, experts suggest these spoiler debates may actually benefit the productions. A study by Launchmetrics found that photos of Hathaway in Hearst’s designs generated more online impact than the brand’s latest Paris Fashion Week showcase.
In today’s media landscape, where paparazzi shots and fan videos flood TikTok and Instagram, spoilers fuel a cycle of buzz that studios may not be able to control — but can still capitalize on.
As The Devil Wears Prada 2 and American Love Story near release, the conversation may shift from shock to appreciation once full storylines and character arcs are revealed. Until then, fashion spoilers remain the ultimate cultural cliffhanger.
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