‘She Looks Different’: Vanessa Williams Caused a Stir over Her Look at ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Musical Premiere – Photos

As the first Black woman to win Miss America in 1984, this Hollywood icon captivated fans at a recent event, sparking buzz over her striking transformation and timeless elegance.

Vanessa Williams turned heads at the world premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical” at The British Museum in London on Sunday, December 1, 2024. The celebrated actress, known for her iconic roles in “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives,” showcased a stunning ensemble from Pamella Roland’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, igniting mixed reactions online.

Williams’ gown was nothing short of show-stopping. Designed with a dramatic flair, the black outfit featured an asymmetric neckline that added a touch of sophistication, while a single-shoulder cape cascaded elegantly down one arm.

The bodice incorporated sheer paneling and exposed boning below the bustline, lending a modern edge to the timeless design.

A high-waisted flowing skirt with a thigh-high slit added a subtle hint of sensuality. Her choice of accessories — a sparkling clutch and bold hoop earrings — perfectly complemented her ensemble.

The “Dance with Me” actress styled her blonde-highlighted hair in a voluminous updo, giving her a regal appearance.

A smoky-eye makeup highlighted her piercing blue eyes, while a nude lip color balanced the boldness of her dress. Fans and onlookers noted the polished finish of her look, which embodied elegance and high fashion.

Williams’ appearance at the premiere not only garnered attention on the red carpet but also sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.

While many users admired her timeless beauty and fashion-forward outfit, others shared critical observations. One user wrote, “Her neck??? [What] is going on 😱.” Another chimed in, “There’s a lot of tension. Makes her look 120 years old.”

The conversation continued with comments addressing Williams’ aging features, with one remarking, “Why do all of their necks look weird. That’s not just naturally aged necks.” Some fans felt her overall styling was too sharp, with one expressing, “Hair and makeup is too severe,” and another stating, “Beautiful woman! But… this 👗 dress does nothing for her shape.”

Despite these critiques, there were also plenty of supportive voices celebrating Williams’ elegance and charm. One fan enthused, “She looks good but I didn’t recognize her right away! I thought she was one of the housewives from that franchise!” Another observed, “She looks different. Pretty as always but different.”

While some noted her aging appearance with surprise, writing, “Man has she aged! She looks so old,” others highlighted her enduring beauty with comments like, “Gorgeous woman” and “Stunning!”

Adding to the wave of admiration, one user shared, “😊😊Beautiful shoot and fashion and wonderful women 👏👏👏,” summing up the appreciation for her sophisticated look and polished presence.

Williams’ spectacular red carpet appearance and the ensuing online buzz were only the beginning of her eventful evening at the world premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical.”

The acclaimed actress took to Instagram to express her excitement about the groundbreaking occasion, sharing moments from the evening and celebrating her pivotal role as Miranda Priestly in the much-anticipated stage adaptation.

“Opening night? Groundbreaking. Opening @pradawestend was nothing short of extraordinary. From the stunning cast to the dazzling energy, it was a night to remember and just the start of something amazing,” wrote the 61-year-old star.

The post included behind-the-scenes glimpses of her alongside other notable stars, including Lily Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, and renowned fashion icons Donatella Versace and Betsey Johnson.

In another post, Williams highlighted her bold look for the night, stating, “Runway-ready and red carpet flawless. Last night’s look was everything Miranda Priestly would expect—and more.”

The post perfectly encapsulated the poise and commanding presence Williams brought to the character of Miranda, a role she has reimagined with her own signature flair for the West End stage.

“The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical” brings a new dimension to the iconic 2006 film and bestselling novel. Williams takes center stage as Miranda, the formidable Editor-in-Chief of Runway Magazine, a character that continues to be a cultural phenomenon.

She stars alongside Georgie Buckland, who makes her West End debut as Andy Sachs, Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily, and Olivier Award winner Matt Henry as the creative and fashion-forward Nigel. The story follows Andy, an aspiring journalist, as she navigates the demanding world of fashion under Miranda’s rule. Her personal life and values are tested as she contemplates how far she will go to achieve success.

Williams’ transformation into Miranda not only captivated audiences on stage but also provided a unique glimpse behind the curtain. In a candid interview on the “Dish Podcast,” the “Soul Food” actress opened up about the challenges and joys of bringing the iconic role to life in the West End production.

During the podcast, Williams shared the complexities of starring in a musical that is still evolving during its preview phase. “I am starring as Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ a new musical that Elton John did the music for,” she explained.

“And, we’re at the Dominion Theatre, and we are in previews now…So, after I leave, I have to go to rehearsal to probably get new lyrics and new dialogue because it’s tweaking and tweaking, because it’s new.”

Given her advancing age, Williams admitted that keeping up with constant revisions has been a demanding task. “Your mind, I mean, at sixty-one, my mind is not as agile as these young twenty-somethings that can, like, you know, put in new lyrics and have it flawlessly. I’ve got sticky notes and, uh, pads all over the place like what’s new? There it is,” she said with a laugh.

The actress revealed that despite the difficulties, she remains passionate about the process. “Why am I doing this again?… I love it,” she confessed.

Williams also highlighted the fast-paced backstage work required to bring the production’s high-fashion glamour to life. “We’ve got an amazing crew that are literally in the wings…And as soon as we come off, it’s like, you’re, uh, you know…Yeah, take the shoes. And we’ve got all the tricks with poppers here and zips there, and magic, you know, velcro there, so…Left foot, right foot, arms up, jump in.”

The production’s director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, has played a pivotal role in adapting the beloved franchise for the stage. “He has done such a brilliant job taking, you know, a franchise from a movie that everybody knows every word of…And bringing it to stage, which is quite a feat because you want to kind of stay true to what people love,” Williams said.

As Miranda, Williams delivers several of the character’s most iconic lines, including the unforgettable “Cerulean monologue.” She shared that these moments often elicit applause from the audience, who are delighted to see such beloved dialogue brought to life. “People know that I do the whole Cerulean monologue and, at night, you know, doing the whole thing, I get applause because people know every word of the Cerulean monologue.”

However, the musical doesn’t just rely on nostalgia. Williams explained how the show’s opening, led by Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily, sets the tone with a comedic and interactive touch. “She starts the show coming from the audience and walks up on stage and basically is trying to tell them politely to turn off their phones…So, people are like, oh, it’s a comedy. We can laugh…Oh, this is what we’re in for and it kind of sets the tone.”

The musical integrates audience interaction with its stunning visuals, offering a three-dimensional perspective on the world of Runway Magazine. “There’s a lot of kind of interaction between the audience and being close to the aisles and seeing the glamour and also seeing what’s on stage,” Williams said, hinting at the dynamic staging that allows viewers to immerse themselves in the story.

As Vanessa Williams balances the demands of her role with her dedication to perfecting it, she continues to deliver a performance that is both faithful to the original and captivatingly new.

Her passion and determination have not only elevated her performance but also ensured that this adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada” remains a must-see event for theatergoers.