Hathaway channels '70s cool, reviving clogs before 'prada' return

Anne Hathaway isn't just preparing for the return of The Devil Wears Prada; she's quietly orchestrating a sartorial revival. Spotted in Milan this weekend, the actress offered a glimpse of what might be considered a sneak peek into the film’s aesthetic—and a surprising nod to decades past.

Leopard print's reign continues

The trend is undeniable. Hathaway’s calf-length Michael Kors Collection ponyhair coat, boasting a decidedly on-trend leopard print, follows a recent flurry of similar sightings. Anya Taylor-Joy recently turned heads in Antonin Tron’s Balmain leopard midi skirt, while Harry Styles made a statement with a Chanel bag by Matthieu Blazy, all embracing the wild side. It’s a motif rapidly ascending the ranks of must-have patterns.

But it was Hathaway’s styling that elevated the look beyond mere trend-chasing. Instead of leaning into a futuristic vibe, she grounded the ensemble with a distinctly '70s flair. White flared jeans and tinted rectangular sunglasses provided a foundation, but the real conversation starter was her footwear.

The unlikely comeback of the clog

Hathaway chose a pair of black leather clogs, complete with a towering wooden platform and stud detailing. While the boho-chic revival, spearheaded by Chemena Kamali, has recently canonized the clog, those who remember the original iteration—particularly Devil Wears Prada diehards—might recall a rather different perception. In a memorable early scene, a frantic Runway employee desperately swapped her clogs for more appropriate office pumps. The visual was a shorthand for uncool, for the antithesis of polished, high-fashion sophistication.

Twenty years later, on the precipice of the sequel, Hathaway's choice isn't a casual one. It suggests a deliberate commentary on the cyclical nature of fashion, a reclamation of a once-maligned shoe. The platform height, in particular, hints at a playful, confident energy—a far cry from the hurried, slightly panicked vibe of that original scene. The styling, more than the shoe itself, speaks volumes about Hathaway’s understanding of how to reinterpret a trend, infusing it with a sense of effortless cool.

The resurgence of the clog, spearheaded by Hathaway’s unexpected Milanese moment, signals a broader shift. Perhaps the polished, minimalist aesthetic of recent years is giving way to something more playful, more maximalist—and certainly, more comfortable.