The Devil Wears Prada: A Review
The Devil Wears Prada is the story of the simple yet smart Andrea “Andy” Sachs,
a Northwestern graduate, and her professional journey in the pursuit of her becoming a
serious journalist. However, Andy interviewed for the job “a million girls would kill for” at
fashion magazine Runway but not as a journalist but rather the second assistant to the
merciless editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Under the impression that after one year of being
Miranda’s assistant she would receive Miranda’s support to pursue other opportunities –
possibly even a journalistic position – Andy accepted the offer. However, any preconceived
notions Andy may have had in hopes to learn about the magazine business as a second
assistant were of little or no avail since her position primarily catered to Miranda’s personal
needs 24/7.
Additionally, Andy was a fish out of water at Runway. She found herself in an
industry where she thought beauty was overstated and superfluous, even though Runway was
one of the most influential magazines in fashion, a multibillion-dollar industry. Andy made
fun of her coworkers by calling them “clackers” for the sounds their stilettos made on the
marble lobby; regarded clothes and accessories as “stuff”; was surrounded by women
obsessed with their looks and coveted designer handbags that were at least twice as much as
their monthly salaries. But because of Andy’s devotion to her career, she stuck it out with
Miranda and her condescending colleagues, and left herself no time for family and friends
and found herself questioning her own ethical tolerance of the abuse of power and privilege;
workplace mobbing, followership and socialization; stealing; as well as contextual pressures,
unhealthy motivations and loyalties.
The abuse of power and privilege was probably the most obvious business ethical
issue in “The Devil Wears Prada.” Miranda was portrayed as a legend and
a Northwestern graduate, and her professional journey in the pursuit of her becoming a
serious journalist. However, Andy interviewed for the job “a million girls would kill for” at
fashion magazine Runway but not as a journalist but rather the second assistant to the
merciless editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Under the impression that after one year of being
Miranda’s assistant she would receive Miranda’s support to pursue other opportunities –
possibly even a journalistic position – Andy accepted the offer. However, any preconceived
notions Andy may have had in hopes to learn about the magazine business as a second
assistant were of little or no avail since her position primarily catered to Miranda’s personal
needs 24/7.
Additionally, Andy was a fish out of water at Runway. She found herself in an
industry where she thought beauty was overstated and superfluous, even though Runway was
one of the most influential magazines in fashion, a multibillion-dollar industry. Andy made
fun of her coworkers by calling them “clackers” for the sounds their stilettos made on the
marble lobby; regarded clothes and accessories as “stuff”; was surrounded by women
obsessed with their looks and coveted designer handbags that were at least twice as much as
their monthly salaries. But because of Andy’s devotion to her career, she stuck it out with
Miranda and her condescending colleagues, and left herself no time for family and friends
and found herself questioning her own ethical tolerance of the abuse of power and privilege;
workplace mobbing, followership and socialization; stealing; as well as contextual pressures,
unhealthy motivations and loyalties.
The abuse of power and privilege was probably the most obvious business ethical
issue in “The Devil Wears Prada.” Miranda was portrayed as a legend and