The Devil Wears Prada 2 released in theaters on May 1, 2026, featuring many of the franchise's favorites from the original, including the sharp-tongued, style-obsessed assistant, Emily Charlton, who is played by actress Emily Blunt.
If you have not seen the film — spoiler alert — Emily Blunt's character debuted three bold and distinct nail looks styled by longtime celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec (@julieknailsnyc).
Using essie shades, Kandalec was able to use color authority to bring out Blunt's character in an evolutionary way that spoke to the sequel. Here's a breakdown of the three looks:
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The Signature Shade: A Dark, Dimensional Neutral
Worn throughout most of the film, the hero shade—essie Always Morphing—anchors Charlton’s updated aesthetic. A deep, near-black brown infused with subtle shimmer, the color shifts in the light, revealing undertones of gray and chocolate.
“It was a very collaborative effort,” says Kandalec. “We knew it would be a dark shade, but finding the right essie polish was a thoughtful process.” Initial tests included a dark purple crème and a midtone charcoal gray. Ultimately, Always Morphing struck the balance: polished, complex and quietly commanding—much like Charlton herself.
The manicure also signals a shift in character. While Charlton’s original look favored short, natural nails paired with bold jewel tones, Blunt chose to grow her nails for the sequel. Kandalec shaped them into a soft almond silhouette, adding a refined, fashion-forward edge.
A Classic Red Moment
In a second look, paired with a striking blonde wig, Blunt wears essie Bordeaux—a timeless, deep wine red hue. The shade is a nod to Charlton’s fashion roots, while reinforcing her elevated, more assured presence.
Event Glam in Gold Texture
For a special event scene, the nails were designed to be a maximal look with Charlton’s wardrobe. Kandalec began with essie Good As Gold. She then applied delicate gold leaf foil accents on top. “The nails are a little luxe with some extra flash. Emily Charlton would never do a literal nail art look, so this bridges that gap perfectly,” says Kandalec. The effect is intentional restraint; opulence without excess.
Together, the three looks form a cohesive beauty narrative: one that honors Charlton’s past while reflecting her evolution into a more polished, self-assured version of herself.
