How Costume Designers Like Molly Rogers of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Sequel Craft Contemporary Characters

Costume designers are pushing back on the myth that dressing contemporary characters is simply a matter of shopping. Molly Rogers, who served as assistant costume designer on the original ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and now leads costume design for its sequel, emphasizes that contemporary design involves deep storytelling. ‘When someone comes up to me and says, “I really love your work. It must be so much fun to just go shopping,” I think, “You have no idea,”’ she said. The reality, according to Rogers and other designers, is that every choice—from color palette to fabric texture—reflects a character’s psychology, social status, and narrative arc. This attention to detail matters because contemporary wardrobes often go unnoticed by audiences, yet they shape how viewers perceive characters and their worlds. The sequel to the 2006 hit, set in the fast-paced fashion magazine industry, provides a high-profile example of how contemporary costume design balances realism with visual storytelling. As streaming and global audiences raise the bar for authenticity, designers are increasingly recognized for their ability to translate script into style. The next time you watch a modern drama, remember that those seemingly effortless outfits are the result of meticulous research and creative intent.