When Hollywood carries Lahore

As the critically acclaimed sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' hits screens, the original cast, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt, returns to reprise their iconic roles but a standout moment was when Miranda Priestly is seen carrying a bag by Lahore-based brand Wrap.

The design had already drawn attention during the film's press tour, when Anne Hathaway was spotted with it, bringing renewed visibility to the brand and to Pakistani craftsmanship. However, in a notable scene, Miranda, played by Meryl Streep, carries the Accordion Bag in oxblood by Wrap, marking a significant moment for the brand and for Pakistani design on a global stage.

The film, released on May 1, was promoted across Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia. During the press tour, Anne Hathaway was also seen posing with Wrap's black Tobla bag. The brand's appearance in the film adds to its growing international footprint.

Wrap has previously been carried by global celebrities such as Doja Cat and Iman Vellani. Its inclusion in a major Hollywood production signals another milestone, reinforcing the global presence of Pakistani fashion and highlighting the country's craftsmanship within one of cinema's most recognisable franchises.

Strong opening

'The Devil Wears Prada 2' debuted atop the North American box office this weekend, industry estimates showed on Sunday, 20 years after the hit original took audiences inside the cutthroat world of haute couture.

The sequel sees Anne Hathaway's character return to work under tyrannical editor Miranda, as their fashion magazine faces an existential crisis. Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt also return as leads. A host of A-list additions and celebrity cameos round out the star-studded cast.

Released by 20th Century Fox and with returning director David Frankel, the film took in $77 million in the US and Canadian market, according to Exhibitor Relations. "This is a sensational opening for a comedy drama," said analyst David A Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

He noted that "very good" reviews and themes of power, image and success that "are more recognisable and relevant today than ever." Streep won a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress in her first turn as Miranda Priestly—who is not-so-subtly based on longtime 'Vogue' chief Anna Wintour.

Meanwhile, last week's box office winner 'Michael', the biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, fell to second place but still took in $54 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.

The film chronicles the legendary artist's rise from a child star to one of the world's most famous pop icons. In the starring role is Jaafar Jackson, the popstar's nephew. Following a whopping $97 million debut last weekend in North America, the movie has taken in over $423 million at the global box office.

'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' came in third with $12.1 million, taking its cumulative domestic haul over $400 million. The animated sequel from Universal and Illumination Studios has earned nearly $900 million at the global box office, Exhibitor Relations reported.

Fourth place went to Amazon MGM's hit sci-fi adventure comedy "Project Hail Mary," with another $8.6 million. The film, starring Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from a dimming sun, has earned over $625 million worldwide, in an extended theatrical run.

In fifth place with $6.4 million was indie horror film "Hokum," a low-budget Irish production which Gross said had earned "excellent" reviews from critics and audiences. Directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Adam Scott, the film follows an author who travels to a mysterious hotel in rural Ireland.

Rounding out the top 10: 'Animal Farm' ($3.4 million) 'Lee Cronin's The Mummy' ($2.23 million) 'Deep Water' ($2.15 million) 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' ($1 million) and 'The Drama' ($900,000).