One of the most anticipated sequels, The Devil Wears Prada 2, has finally arrived and South Africa did not miss its moment to show up for the premiere. Disney pulled out all the stops, aiming to capture the essence of Runway and everything the iconic fashion world represents.
The theme of the night was Runway Ready, a clear nod to Runway Magazine the powerhouse publication at the heart of The Devil Wears Prada. In simple terms, this called for bold, high-fashion moments: couture-inspired looks, statement pieces, and red carpet drama worthy of a fashion editorial.
But let’s be honest… that’s not quite what we got.
South African public figures arrived in looks that, at times, felt underwhelming, some even bordering on confusing. The kind of outfits that might just have Runway’s fierce editor reaching for something stronger than a Starbucks coffee.
Still, not all hope was lost.
We’re going to break down the looks the ones that weren’t completely painful to take in as well as the catastrophic ones. And, of course, we’ll be judging them through the lens of the film’s most iconic quotes.
So… gird your loins.
Oh Yaya, it is clear to see that you had a prior engagement, a hideous skirt convention that you were the main speaker in! Also Yaya, tulle, on
the red carpet? “Ground breaking”
Miss Thang,you sold your soul to the devil when you put on this entire look, we see it. I am not sure which Runway event she was going but I’m sure that Runway ran away. This entire look just scream tacky
Yolanda,Yolanda, you should have sat this one out. You were able to
single handedly devalue this amazing BAM Collective coat! Is there a reason your stylist was not available to dress you, did he/she die or something?
By all means, come dressed as a Boxer’s snowball. You know how
that thrills me.
Who is this sad little person? Why isn’t anyone ready to show up and show out cause what is this? Okay, how do you spell…a mess!?
We asked for high fashion, couture, elegant, fashion forward and we getting guy fawkes
costumes!
Tell Pabi I’m not going to approve this look from Imprint!
Pabi is a beautiful young lady and she has worked super hard for her banging body, now I need her to show off and bring it to the red carpet!
This entire look had Miranda pursing her lips!
House Husband, my God you look so chic! This look embodies the
Runway theme and add a lot stylish, elegant, and fashionable, often with an air of sophistication
The media normally has this sort of comical idea of how they think that they’ve made a choice that exempts them from the fashion industry and they don’t even try to dress up for events. Freddy said, not me! I will take an effort and for that you get a yes from us!
Baby girl, you know why you got
invited? It’s because you are stylish, slender, you worship the magazine and this shows in this look!
Perfect, I’m glad somebody showed up for work today…
The pants and the shoes, allowing the jacket to do all the talking.
Zee, brought Rihanna’s Bitch Better Have My Money to the red carpet and we love it and here for it! Zee, trust me when I say, “everyone wants this, everyone wants to be you!”
There’s a scale. One nod is good, two nods is very good. There’s only be one actual smile on record and that was Tom Ford in 2001.This look from Coachela Randy is definitely giving us another smile from Miranda.
Natasha, now this is how you make a comeback on the red carpet.
This is the kind of presence we’ve been missing: confident, intentional, and undeniably fashion-forward. You understood the assignment, and more importantly, you delivered.
I do wish, however, that there had been a bit more reinterpretation. Lifting the BAM Collective look straight from the ROMANTICISM 2026 showcase feels a little too safe for a moment like this.
That said… you still brought it.
Oh Bonang, there you are, how many times must we wait for you to save the red carpet? You do just that all the time!!!
Truth is, there’s no one that can do what Bonang does.
… that’s all!
Pamela Mtanga is yet to fail us. I love this look even though the shirt gets swallowed by the red carpet. But the hair, the make up, the shirt all make up for it!
I genuinely don’t understand why it’s so difficult to put together a red carpet that works one with the right guest list, people who actually speak fashion and embody the spirit of the event. The theme is there for a reason. It’s meant to be interpreted, explored, and elevated not ignored.
Because let’s be honest… showing up to a themed red carpet and not even attempting to engage with it? That’s not just disappointing, it’s disrespectful to the moment.
And in South Africa, we’ve fallen into a pattern. There’s always this quiet hope that Bonang Matheba will arrive and save the night. And when that doesn’t happen, we immediately start comparing ourselves to Nigeria, a country that consistently delivers, where red carpets feel intentional, exciting, and fashion-forward.
The truth is simple: our public figures need to either bring it or stay at home.
Not every invitation needs a “yes.” There’s power in sitting one out if you’re not going to show up fully. Because right now, it sometimes feels like people are attending just to attend as if missing the event would cost them their free dinner.
And really… are we asking for too much?
No. Not at all.