Lauren Weisberger’s novel The Devil Wears Prada was inspired by her experience working as an assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Published in 2003, the book follows a young graduate navigating a demanding role at a fictional fashion magazine and later inspired the 2006 film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Weisberger began working for Wintour in December 1999 shortly after graduating from Cornell University, remaining in the role for less than a year.

Reflecting on the experience, Weisberger said, “Crazy first job out of college, no idea how it happened. I was there just under a year, and it definitely informed that whole book for sure … it was wild.”

Despite parallels between fiction and reality, Weisberger has maintained that the story is not a direct portrayal of her former employer.

She stated that “nothing” in the book was based on Wintour. Wintour responded to the novel’s release in 2003, saying, “I always enjoy a great piece of fiction. I haven’t decided whether I’m going to read it or not.”

The novel’s central character, Miranda Priestly, shares similarities with Wintour, though the editor has dismissed comparisons.

In a later interview, she said, “We’re here to work. If one comes across sometimes as being cold or brusque, it’s simply because I’m striving for the best.”

Weisberger has acknowledged that while many scenarios were fictionalised, elements of real workplace experiences informed the narrative. “A lot of the anecdotes and demands and craziness are products of my imagination,” she said, adding, “But there’s reality there, too.”

In April 2026, stylist Leslie Fremar said she inspired the character Emily, portrayed by Emily Blunt, and described the book as “a betrayal”, highlighting ongoing debate about its real-life influences.