If you want it done, send Meryl Streep.
Miranda Priestly is one of fiction’s most intimidating — and fashionable — characters, so it stands to reason that the actress playing her would need to defend her sartorial choices on occasion.
In a panel discussion at Fashionphile’s headquarters in NYC, costume designer Molly Rogers revealed some of the behind-the-scenes clashes that went on in the wardrobe department.
One particular look, a tasseled Dries Van Noten jacket, was apparently a controversial pick.
“The tassel jacket needed the right scene, it couldn’t just show up,” Rogers said. “The studio was afraid of that jacket — they tried to kill it.”
She went to Streep, warning her on the day of a shoot that reps from the studio were “abuzz” about the look and wanted to axe it. Rogers recalled how the star cut her off mid-sentence, declaring, “We’ll see about that!”
Thanks to Streep, the jacket made the cut — and has rightly become a fan favorite.
And the embellished piece more than just an treat for the eyes. Rogers explained the symbolism behind the scene in which it appears: Miranda is pulled into an impromptu meeting with executives hired by Jay Ravitz (BJ Novak) who seek to cut down costs on Runway.
Rogers described the visual, saying, “Miranda is up against a lot of suits. It’s art vs. commerce.”
As for the other characters, Rogers admitted to fighting with Stanley Tucci over his outfits, revealing that the star battled over bags and brooches. She warned him he’d look “flat” without some jewels on his lapel.
Rogers emerged partly victorious; Nigel carries a green Goyard bag while the gang is in Milan, but he’s decidedly brooch-less in the film.
Incidentally, Tucci later appeared on the April cover of Town & Country festooned in gems.
“I called him and I said, ‘Traitor!’” Rogers joked.