Hathaway's design secrets: recreating andy sachs' apartment for 'the devil wears prada 2'

Twenty years after Anne Hathaway’s breakout role as Andy Sachs, the world is returning to the glamorous, chaotic world of Runway magazine. ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ hits theaters today, offering a glimpse into the lives of Miranda Priestley and, crucially, a profound redesign of Andy’s home – a space that now speaks volumes about her journey.

A journalist's collected echoes

Forget the cramped studio apartment of the original film, complete with Dean & Deluca grilled cheese. Andy’s current residence is a deliberate, albeit subtly opulent, declaration of her success as a seasoned journalist. It’s a curated collection of eclectic finds – a testament to decades spent on assignment, sourced through auctions, vintage shops, and the discerning eye of set decorator Stephanie Bowen. The effect is less ‘minimalist’ and more ‘expertly considered chaos’ – a fitting reflection of a life lived intensely and observed keenly.

Bowen, drawing on Hathaway’s specific input, meticulously crafted the space to mirror Andy’s character. “Anne wanted her character to feel worldly and well traveled,” Bowen explains. “We layered in a significant number of books, rare collectibles, and textiles from diverse corners of the globe. It’s about showing her evolution, her experiences shaping her perspective.”

The centerpiece: a custom-made upholstered bed, draped in Nikki Kehoe linens – a significant upgrade from the original film’s sparse aesthetic. “We wanted a touch of luxury, but grounded in Andy’s established style,” Bowen notes. “Her clothing remained rooted in vintage selections, and the apartment should have reflected that sensibility.” The furniture, predominantly mid-century pieces, was painstakingly sourced – a process involving countless hours combing through auctions and secondhand dealers.

Returning to the familiar townhouse of Miranda Priestley, the film cleverly juxtaposes the established grandeur with the subtle shifts of time. The wallpaper, window treatments, and even the iconic spiral staircase – all preserved from the original film – provide a tangible link to the past. A Wayne Thiebaud cityscape, ‘Downhill Cross Streets,’ also made its triumphant return, a poignant reminder of the film’s enduring legacy. Production designer Jess Gonchor expertly navigated this delicate balance, ensuring that both characters’ private lives evolved realistically while retaining the undeniable charm of the original.

“It was incredibly exciting to revisit Miranda’s townhouse,” Bowen says. “We faced some logistical hurdles – securing access to the original owners – but ultimately, we were able to honor the film’s history while introducing contemporary design elements. Jess and David Frankel’s vision, combined with the returning cast, felt unequivocally right.” The overall effect? A home that’s not just a set, but a tangible representation of a remarkable career and a life richly lived. Ultimately, the success of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ rests on the ability to transport audiences back to that world – and this apartment is a crucial piece of that puzzle.