Meryl Streep starred inThe Devil Wears Pradaas the cold and formidable Miranda Priestly, then two years later she played the spontaneous, free-spirited Donna Sheridan inMamma Mia!, and though the characters could not be more different,Miranda and Donna are connected through one costume detail. Miranda is the editor-in-chief of a major fashion magazine, leadingthe cast ofThe Devil Wears Pradawith an iron fist and gorgeous pumps. Donna wears her signature baggy overalls while operating the charming but run-downhotel in Greece featured inMamma Mia!
Streep’s characters exist in such different worlds that it is hard to imagine what an interaction between Miranda and Donna would be like, but they are linked through one costuming accent. Miranda remains fashionable and chic from the beginning tothe end ofThe Devil Wears Prada, but Donna gets a radical makeover in a dream sequence. In a fantasy number inMamma Mia!, Donna appears wearing an accessory that Miranda Priestly had previously worn inThe Devil Wear Prada. This is a fun Easter egg that hints at Donna’s subconscious desires.
Mamma Mia’s’ Donna Sheridan Wears This Accessory From The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestley
Donna Borrows Miranda’s Look For This Dream Sequence
Miranda Priestly was a fashion icon, loosely styled after Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. She makes her memorable entrance to the Runway office in one ofMiranda’s customarily chic outfitsprominently featuring a large pair of Gucci sunglasses. Miranda always looks sharp and controlled inThe Devil Wears Prada. This is in stark contrast toMamma Mia!’s Donna. Nevertheless, despite their differences,Miranda’s sunglasses create a surprising connection between the two characters.
Meryl Streep accepted the role of Miranda Priestly under the condition that Miranda be given one opportunity to show her vulnerability, which eventually became the scene where in a private moment after a glamorous fashion show, Miranda admits her husband has left her and torn apart her family.
Donna’s world inMamma Mia!is never just so. Her hotel is quaint but riddled with signs of deterioration: leaky roof, rusty plumbing, and overgrown vegetation, which Donna is trying to manage largely by herself. However, in one fantasy sequence, Donna imagines how nice it would be not to have to worry about finances, and in her fantasy, she is wearing Miranda Priestly’s iconic Gucci sunglasses.
What The Shared Sunglasses Say About Donna’s Dream Life In Mamma Mia!
Donna Does Not Want To Be Miranda But Does Want This Aspect Of Her Life
Just before she breaks out into “Money, Money, Money,” Donna shows her friends around the hotel where “nothing works except [her.]” Donna pictures herself on a yacht in an exaggerated version of wealth and ease. First, Donna is in a flowing silk dress with a scarf dramatically billowing behind her, then in a chic swimsuit ensemble that features the same pair of Gucci sunglasses worn by Miranda Priestly.
Donna wearing Miranda Priestly’s sunglasses impliesDonna covets Miranda’s power. InThe Devil Wears Prada, Miranda has the influence and reach to get whatever she wants.Miranda Priestly is endlessly quotable, making outrageous demands like a flight during a hurricane or advanced copies of Harry Potter. InMamma Mia!, Donna can’t even get the toilets to flush for her guests. Miranda’s sunglasses symbolize Donna’s wish for the control and privilege that Miranda effortlessly wields, creating an interesting connection between two iconic Meryl Streep characters.
