Actor Meryl Streep joined co‑star Anne Hathaway in Shanghai dressed in a Saint Laurent silk coat that was cinched with an attached black belt.
I was scrolling through the latest entertainment feeds when I saw the picture of Meryl Streep stepping out with Anne Hathaway in Shanghai. It felt a bit like watching two of my favourite classic‑movie icons walk the streets of a city that already feels like a set from a Bollywood extravaganza. The whole vibe was very glossy, the kind of thing you see on the cover of a high‑end magazine, yet there was a local flavour – a touch of bustling Shanghai streets, people sipping tea from roadside stalls, and the occasional auto‑rickshaw honk.
Both Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway have been hopping from one press stop to another as part of the promotion for the sequel to the beloved fashion drama. The duo landed in Shanghai for the premiere, and Meryl Streep decided to make another bold statement by going all‑blue for the evening.
A splash of cerulean – why blue matters in the franchise
For anyone who has followed the original film, the colour cerulean holds a special place. Remember that iconic moment when the young assistant first spots the cerulean‑blue cardigan at a downtown boutique? That scene became a fashion milestone. This time, Meryl Streep chose a deep shade of blue for the Shanghai premiere, a nod to that very moment but with a more sophisticated twist.
The outfit was a custom‑made, funnel‑neck Saint Laurent silk coat‑dress. It fell just to the knee, giving it a sleek silhouette that works perfectly for an evening event. What caught my eye was the attached black belt – it cinched the waist neatly, creating a balanced look between the generous shoulders and the fitted middle.
Speaking of the shoulders, the design featured exaggerated, slightly oversized shoulders that added a powerful, almost cinematic presence. The three‑quarter‑length sleeves were pushed up to the elbows, giving the whole ensemble a boss‑woman vibe that reminded me of the way senior managers in Indian corporate offices sometimes roll up their sleeves to look more approachable yet still commanding.
To finish the look, Meryl Streep added a sparkling diamond rose brooch. The brooch sat just above the belt, acting like a final punctuation mark. Alongside it were a couple of diamond rings and tiny diamond earrings that added just enough sparkle without overwhelming the outfit.
Styling details – from tights to sunglasses
The styling was handed over to Micaela Erlanger, a name that often pops up in the fashion‑press circuit. Micaela Erlanger paired the Saint Laurent coat‑dress with sheer black tights – a simple yet elegant choice that kept the look from becoming too heavy. The black satin pumps added a touch of classic glamour, while the large dark sunglasses gave the whole outfit a modern, mysterious edge, reminiscent of the iconic look of Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor‑in‑chief.
It felt like a perfect blend of old‑world elegance and contemporary cool, something you often see on the streets of Delhi when a senior executive decides to wear a well‑tailored suit with a pair of edgy sunglasses – a small gesture that tells a story of confidence and authority.
Meryl Streep on representing older women in the film industry
While the outfit was all anyone could talk about, Meryl Streep also used the press tour to speak about a topic close to her heart – the representation of older women in cinema. In a recent interview, Meryl Streep said, “I do think that there’s something in this one that’s unusual, because you don’t see many 70‑, almost 77‑year‑old women playing parts like this in any movie or under any circumstance… So I’m happy to represent, you know.”
The actress highlighted a troubling trend: as female actors age, they often fade away from the main spotlight. Whether it’s because they step back from projects, struggle to find roles that suit them, or are relegated to supporting parts, the industry tends to forget the value they bring. Meryl Streep added, “Often women over 50, I’d say, disappear into the woodwork… Their interests and opinions are less valued in our culture, so it’s fun to see this person who is credibly placed in the world and having that influence.”
Hearing Meryl Streep talk like this felt like a conversation with an elder relative who has seen the ups and downs of life and now wants to share wisdom. It reminded me of my own aunt, who after retiring from teaching, still volunteers at community centres and insists that experience should never be hidden away.
The sequel – what’s the story about?
The upcoming sequel continues the saga of Miranda Priestly, the editor‑in‑chief of the high‑fashion magazine Runway. Miranda Priestly is dealing with a rapidly changing media landscape where print journalism is losing its grip, and she is trying to navigate the challenges of a struggling industry.
Emily Blunt’s character, who once served as an assistant, now holds a powerful position in a luxury group that controls the advertising revenue that Runway desperately needs. This creates a conflict that forces Miranda Priestly to reconsider her strategies.
Meanwhile, Andy Sachs, now occupying the role of features editor, is brought back to help Miranda Priestly and the magazine steer through the crisis that has caused a drop in stock value and negative press coverage. The storyline reflects the real‑world pressures that many Indian publishing houses face when digital platforms start dominating the market.
The original film was based on a 2003 novel written by Lauren Weisberger, inspired by her experiences as an assistant to the editor‑in‑chief of a leading fashion magazine. The first movie was directed by David Frankel and became a cultural touchstone when it released in the mid‑2000s.
Although I cannot say the exact date, the sequel is slated to hit theatres very soon, and the excitement is building across both Western and Indian audiences who grew up watching the first film.
Personal reflections – why this matters to me
Seeing Meryl Streep choose such a bold, colour‑rich outfit made me think of the many Indian weddings where the bride must wear a vibrant hue to stand out among a sea of guests. The deep blue of the Saint Laurent coat‑dress reminded me of the midnight‑blue sarees my sister wears on special occasions – elegant, timeless, and instantly eye‑catching.
Moreover, the discussion about older women staying relevant resonated strongly. In Indian families, we often see senior women being relegated to the background, even though they possess a wealth of knowledge. Meryl Streep’s open talk about wanting to represent those women gave me a sense of hope that the industry, both in Hollywood and Bollywood, might start valuing experience more.
Lastly, the whole press tour felt like a whirlwind – airport lounges, red‑carpet walks, and endless interviews. It reminded me of the hectic schedule of Indian film promotions, where actors hop from one city to another, from Mumbai to Delhi, then to overseas locations, all while maintaining a crisp public image. The way Meryl Streep carried herself, balancing glamour with outspoken advocacy, seemed like a masterclass for any aspiring actor.
