Vogue Editor Investigates Claims She Inspired 'The Devil Wears Prada' Character Emily

A Vogue editor, Plum, faced widespread speculation on TikTok that she was the real-life inspiration for Emily, the English assistant in 'The Devil Wears Prada'. The viral theory emerged from clips of a 2003 BBC documentary 'Boss Women' featuring Plum at Condé Nast's offices, which resurfaced online. Plum's teenage daughter Tess and friend Ernie confronted her with this belief during a trailer for the sequel at London's Everyman Cinema in Bayswater. Plum launched an investigation, considering key suspects among former Vogue assistants. She questioned Kate Young, a former assistant to Anna Wintour now a Hollywood stylist, who denied being scary and cited her role as second assistant. Leslie Fremar, the first assistant during Lauren Weisberger's time, was identified through Amy Taran Astley, editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest, as a possible influence. Leslie admitted via email that the portrayal 'tracks' except for the mean aspects. Plum noted her own Emily-ish habits like booking blowouts at John Barrett at Bergdorf's and wearing high heels, but emphasized she was never Wintour's assistant. The novel was published in 2003 and the film released in 2006. Weisberger, the author, did not respond to a request for comment. The case highlights the blending of fact and fiction in pop culture, with Plum concluding the character was a composite. A follow-up is promised in Vogue.