Vogue book club returns: relive 'the devil wears prada' before the sequel

Just when you thought the fashion world couldn't get any more deliciously cutthroat, Vogue is revisiting the novel that launched a thousand runway dreams. Following a successful foray into the Brontë sisters with Wuthering Heights, the Vogue Book Club’s next selection is Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 satire, The Devil Wears Prada—a perfectly timed choice given the impending release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 this May.

A second look at runway’s reign of terror

Let’s be honest, who better to dissect the power dynamics, the impossible demands, and the exquisitely tailored chaos of Runway magazine (ahem, a thinly veiled stand-in for a certain well-known publication) than the editors at Vogue? The novel, a whirlwind of ambition and anxiety, provides a surprisingly prescient look at the pressures of the fashion industry—and the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of success. It’s a story ripe for reevaluation, particularly as the film adaptation promises a fresh perspective on Andy Sachs's journey.

The Book Club experience, as before, will unfold over a series of weekly features and lively Group Chats within the Vogue app, running from this Thursday through April 23rd. Expect a few curated surprises along the way – perhaps a chat with someone who has firsthand experience navigating the intricacies of the fashion editorial world. Don't wait; secure your copy and prepare for a deep dive into the world that captivated millions.

The brilliance of Weisberger's work lies not just in its satirical observations but also in its enduring relatability. The anxieties of navigating a demanding boss, the pressure to conform, and the search for personal fulfillment are timeless themes. The film, of course, amplified these elements, turning characters like Miranda Priestly into cultural icons. But the novel provides a more nuanced exploration of the underlying motivations and the hidden costs of ambition. A recent survey showed that 68% of young professionals cite workplace stress as a major factor in their career decisions – a statistic that speaks volumes about the continued relevance of Andy Sachs’s story.