Devil Wears Prada Musical – Opening Night Gala “RUNWAY takeover”. Story by Runway Magazine. Photo / Video Courtesy: GettyImages / Dave Benett / Alan Chapman / Pradawestend / Danny Kaan / Craig Sugden / Dominion Theatre / Donatella Versace / Suzy Menkes.
A Night of Fashion, Theater, and Iconic Style
December 1st, on a drizzly Sunday evening in London, fashion, theater, and music collided at the Dominion Theatre for the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical. This was no ordinary premiere; it was a RUNWAY takeover, complete with haute couture, a star-studded guest list, and a cause close to the heart of Sir Elton John, whose Elton John AIDS Foundation benefitted from the gala. From the red carpet’s glamour to the theatrical spectacle on stage, this night was destined to be a hallmark of creativity and style.
The Dominion Theatre – London’s Newest Fashion Hub
The Dominion Theatre, with its grand Art Deco exterior, played host to an event that could rival any London Fashion Week runway. Cameras flashed as guests arrived, greeted by the glowing RUNWAY logo dominating the entrance. Among them was Anna Wintour, wearing Prada green coat. “I’m looking forward to supporting Elton,” Wintour said. She described the musical as “entertaining,” though when asked about its parallels to the fashion world, she gave a characteristically reserved answer. “It’s for the audience and for the people I work with to decide if there are any similarities between me and Miranda Priestly,” she added checking her Prada green coat.
Wintour wasn’t the only one making waves. Lily Collins dazzled in a Vivienne Westwood gown, a nod to British fashion at its finest, while Donatella Versace turned heads in her signature glamour. Sir Elton John and David Furnish walked arm-in-arm, greeting guests like fashion critics Suzy Menkes and iconic designers Zandra Rhodes and Betsey Johnson, each bringing their own maximalist flair to the evening.
The Art Deco foyer buzzed with excitement, champagne flutes clinking as conversations swirled about the evening’s spectacle. Suzy Menkes summed it up best: “It’s the spirited performance of life in Vogue. But what does Anna Wintour think of the parody of her life? I didn’t dare to ask.”
The RUNWAY Experience – A Show Before the Show
Guests entering the theater were treated to more than just a stage production. They ascended grand stairs flanked by RUNWAY MAGAZINE banners, leading to an exhibition of couture gowns by Pamella Roland. Cameras clicked furiously at the RUNWAY MAGAZINE cover-booth, where guests could capture their own magazine cover moment—a perfect blend of high fashion and immersive storytelling.
We’ve been wondering would Anna Wintour take a leap and have her own Runway Magazine cover or not?
Betsey Johnson was among the first to praise the event. “Everyone in the fashion industry loves the show,” she said. Reflecting on her own career, she added, “When I saw the film for the first time, I thought, thank God I missed all that stuff because I would not want to have gone through it.”
Luke Evans, the Welsh actor known for Beauty and the Beast, shared his admiration for the cultural impact of both the film and the musical. “It’s full of characters and ego,” he remarked. “Fashion changes all the time, but the people at the top never do. This is sort of an insider, behind-the-scenes version.”
The Performance – A Fashionable Spectacle
As the lights dimmed and the audience took their seats, the magic of The Devil Wears Prada unfolded on stage. Vanessa Williams delivered a powerhouse performance as Miranda Priestly, embodying the legendary editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine with poise and ferocity. Draped in a wardrobe of power-shouldered blazers, oversized sunglasses, and Hermès handbags, she was the very essence of high-fashion intimidation.
The ensemble cast was equally captivating. Georgie Buckland brought warmth and charm to her role as Andy Sachs, the wide-eyed assistant thrust into the world of couture. Matt Henry’s Nigel offered a heartfelt portrayal of the struggles and humor of navigating the industry. But it was Amy Di Bartolomeo’s Emily who stole the show, delivering biting sarcasm and quick wit that had the audience roaring with laughter. Her infamous cube-of-cheese diet and other memorable quirks from the film transitioned seamlessly to the stage.
“Vanessa was always the perfect person to play Miranda Priestly,” said Michelle Visage, American singer and broadcaster. “She absolutely owns it.”
Singer Beverley Knight added a note of reflection, saying, “The production is brilliant, but I don’t think the fashion industry has moved on leaps and bounds in terms of how it views women of different sizes.”
Elton John’s Touch of Elegance
The musical wouldn’t have been complete without the creative genius of Sir Elton John, who composed the show’s music and lyrics. As the audience rose for a standing ovation, John took the stage to thank his collaborators and share a heartfelt moment about his health struggles. “As some of you may know, I have had issues, and now I have lost my sight,” he revealed. “It’s hard for me to see [the production], but I love to hear it, and it sounded incredible tonight.”
His words were met with thunderous applause, a testament to his enduring legacy as a musical icon and his resilience in the face of challenges.
The British Museum After-Party – A Night to Remember
The night continued at the British Museum, transformed into a vibrant fashion wonderland. Mini Coopers adorned with iconic quotes from the movie lined the museum’s halls, illuminated by pink and red lights. Guests sipped espresso martinis and danced to live performances of camp classics by the Pointer Sisters and Tina Turner.
Betsey Johnson’s colorful commentary returned as she joined the crowd, dancing and chatting with fellow guests. Meanwhile, actor Luke Evans mused on the enduring appeal of The Devil Wears Prada: “It’s probably because fashion is always evolving, but the stories of ambition and ego are timeless.”
As the night wore on, the drizzle outside couldn’t dampen the spirits of those within. The gala, in conjunction with World AIDS Day and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, was more than just a celebration of fashion and theater—it was a reminder of the power of art to inspire, entertain, and make a difference.
Conclusion: RUNWAY Takeover
From the glowing RUNWAY logo that welcomed guests to the Dominion Theatre to Vanessa Williams’s commanding portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical was a dazzling celebration of creativity. At the heart of this sensational production was the visionary genius of Jerry Mitchell, whose direction and choreography seamlessly intertwined fashion’s theatricality with the electrifying drama of the stage. Mitchell, no stranger to crafting unforgettable Broadway experiences (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), brought a masterful touch to the show, turning it into a spellbinding spectacle that celebrated the audacious spirit of Runway Magazine.
The narrative of The Devil Wears Prada has long been associated with Vogue, but that era is firmly in the past. What was once a reflection of fashion’s power dynamics has transformed into a sparkling, joyful parody—a comedy that celebrates the quirks and chaos of an industry that no longer takes itself too seriously. Yet, as the curtains fell on this dazzling production, it became clear that a new chapter in fashion’s cultural evolution is beginning. This moment was not about revisiting the past but about re-inventing the future. With Runway Magazine redefining the runway experience, bridging tradition with innovation, and embracing modern storytelling, this event marked more than a moment— it settled the stage for a bold, creative era.
With Jerry Mitchell’s creative brilliance and Elton John’s soulful compositions, The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical isn’t just a show—it’s an era-defining celebration of art, ambition, and style. And for Runway Magazine, it was a reminder that the future of fashion isn’t just about telling the story—it’s about reinventing it, so it’ll become a fashion’s new cultural narrative.
Darling, it doesn’t get more fabulous than this!
