Meryl streep & anna wintour: a rare glimpse inside a powerhouse conversation
The Crosby Street Hotel suite felt almost conspiratorial, a haven from the record-breaking winter chill. Inside, two titans—Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour—sat accompanied by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, engaged in a conversation that felt both delightfully candid and meticulously orchestrated. This wasn’t just a chat; it was a cultural event, crowned by a Leibovitz shoot featuring the legendary Grace Coddington leading style.
The devil wears prada, two decades later: power, perception, and the evolving code of dress
The genesis of this gathering? The impending release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a film that, two decades on, demands a recalibration of its iconic themes. Gerwig, a self-professed devotee of the original, deftly steered the discussion, prompting reflections on the complexities of female power, the societal expectations around dress, and the enduring legacy of Miranda Priestly.
Wintour, ever the astute observer, swiftly dismantled the notion that power suits are a prerequisite for authority. “Think about the women that one admires: Mrs. Obama comes to mind,” she remarked, pivoting to highlight the importance of authenticity. “Whether she’s wearing J.Crew or Duro Olowu…she always looks like herself.” It’s a sentiment that underscores a subtle shift—a move away from rigid codes toward a more fluid, personal expression of strength.
Streep, with her trademark incisive wit, countered with a poignant observation about the current political landscape. Referencing a controversial moment involving a former first lady's coat, she highlighted the subtle yet pervasive expectation for women in positions of power to remain perpetually…small. “There’s an apology built into women,” she stated, a sentiment resonating with a lifetime of navigating Hollywood’s often-unconscious biases.
The conversation then deftly moved to the very nature of iconic roles, with Streep drawing a parallel between the uninhibited characters of classic Hollywood—Rosalind Russell and Spencer Tracy—and the unapologetic force that is Miranda Priestly. “It was like cross-dressing,” Streep mused, reflecting on a time when female ambition posed less of a threat.
Beyond fashion: age, mentorship, and the indelible mark of experience
Gerwig, ever perceptive, steered the conversation towards a more personal territory: aging. “I’m in my early 40s and I look at both of you and I think, That is worth going for,” she confessed. Wintour responded with a refreshing candor, embracing her age and the “sense of balance and proportion” that comes with experience. “I feel as alive, excited, and aware as ever,” she declared.
Streep, reflecting on the passing of influential figures in her life, offered a profound meditation on legacy. “They are in here,” she said, gesturing to her chest, “you’re going to use them, and they’re going to keep working.” It’s a sentiment that speaks to the enduring power of mentorship and the profound impact of those who’ve paved the way.
The discussion concluded with a surprisingly grounded assessment of the fashion industry itself. Wintour acknowledged the evolution from the elitist world of haute couture to a more democratic, globally influential force. “We are still here,” she asserted, a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
As the conversation drew to a close, Streep offered a final, quietly powerful thought. “You’ve got to shift your weight,” she quoted Tom Stoppard, encapsulating the constant state of flux that defines both life and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The suite emptied, leaving behind the echoes of a remarkable encounter—a testament to the enduring power of conversation, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of two women who continue to shape the cultural landscape.