Stylist Says Devil Wears Prada Portrayal Felt Mean and Hurtful

A celebrity stylist who once worked closely with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour says she was hurt by how her former colleague portrayed that experience in The Devil Wears Prada.

Leslie Fremar, now a well-known stylist, recently said on Vogue’s Run-Through podcast that she believes the character Emily in the book and film was based on her. Fremar worked as Wintour’s first assistant and recalled telling author Lauren Weisberger that many people would dream of having that job — a line later used in the movie.

Fremar said the early version of the book felt much harsher than what was eventually published. She described it as “quite mean” and darker in tone, adding that it felt like a betrayal at the time. She also said it exposed a workplace environment that had previously been private.

Despite those feelings, Fremar said she does not hold a grudge against Weisberger, though she thinks meeting her again would be awkward.

Weisberger has not commented directly on Fremar’s remarks. A representative said the author is currently focused on finishing her next novel and promoting Prada II.

In a past interview, Weisberger said some scenes in The Devil Wears Prada closely reflected her own time working at Vogue, including the tense atmosphere when Wintour arrived at the office.

Meanwhile, director David Frankel shared that Wintour once filmed a cameo for the original movie, though it was not used in the final cut.

A sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, is set to be released in theaters this Friday.