Cast your mind back to 2013, an ill-fated Oscars hosting gig with an awkward James Franco and a saccharine acceptance speech seemed to seal the fate of the once revered Anne Hathaway.
After enjoying a long stint of popularity which emanated from her playing the titular character Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries (hands up if you also thought Genovia was a real country for a while) ahe would then go on to play one of the most likeable characters of all time, Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada (as we all know unsupportive boyfriend Nate was the real villain of that movie.)
RELATED: Anne Hathaway looks enchanting in silver pearl-encrusted Valentino gown at New York Film Festival
Then something happened, the public perception of Anne Hathaway cruelly and wholeheartedly shifted. Liking Anne Hathaway was about as uncool then as wearing skinny jeans is now. So what happened? After the now 39-year-old actress, accepted the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance as Fantine in the 2012 Tom Hooper-directed Les Miserables musical, the tables simply... turned. Intense backlash and vitriol towards the raven haired beauty spread with the ferocious intensity of a recoupling ceremony on Love Island. Not stopping at her appearance (her gamine pixie cut and pink Prada dress didn't win the hearts of the general public) her acceptance speech was torn apart.
"I really don't want to dredge up the past but I did have my monster out there, I did have the internet turn on me and hate me and it was like a whole big thing," she told The Sun, "And it was a really good thing for me personally." There was even a viral #Hathahate crusade which inspired the New York Times to publish a piece titled, “Do We Really Hate Anne Hathaway?”
MORE: Anne Hathaway recreates an iconic Devil Wears Prada moment at New York Fashion Week
RELATED: Anne Hathaway is the ultimate Barbie in glittering Valentino dress
Proving that the fans are a fickle bunch, now no one is more popular than the Oceans 13 star. Especially in fashion circles. "Anne Hathaway is clearly doing the press rounds and her stylist Erin Walsh needs a raise. Having gone fairly under the radar in the style stakes in recent years, it’s so nice to see her embrace her true inner Andy Sachs," explains Hello! Fashion's Style Editor Laura Weatherburn.
From hated to celebrated her recent Vogue Hong Kong shoot (a total swoon fest), her Barbiecore appearance at the Valentino show, her appearance next to Anna Wintour, coincidentally dressed just like budding journalist Andy Sachs, cemented what we always knew: Anne Hathaway is a total vibe. "The Vogue Hong Kong cover shoot was a MOMENT, as was the Barbie pink Valentino look at Milan Fashion Week - complete with killer matchy matchy platforms," says Laura. "She's created a buzz, and that's what's so exciting. It only leaves us wanting more."
Her highly-visible fashion renaissance has reminded us that when the world’s against you… don your best outfit, put on a smile, and show them what you’re made of. She's killing us all with fashion kindness. So what does our Style Editor predict is next for Anne's style journey? "I personally would love to see her in Harris Reed SS23. Now that would create headlines…"
We decode some 5 of Anne Hathways most iconic looks this year:
Pearly Queen Anne Hathaway
Looking radiant on the red carpet at the 60th New York Film Festival, Anne dazzled in a shoulder-padded midi dress by Valentino, embellished with an abundance of silver beads and shiny pearls. Matching boots gave her look a wholly immersive sense of decadence.
Barbiecore Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway sent the fashion world into a tizzy as she stepped out to attend the Valentino Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 22/23 show. The actress looked phenomenal in head-to-toe PP Pink Valentino, as she was joined by an A-list guestlist for the glittering event. She didn’t do it single handedly, but many see this as the moment that truly sparked the Barbiecore trend.
Cannes Bombshell Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway had photographers clawing over each other to get a shot of her at the Armageddon Time photocall at Cannes Film Festival this year. Her custom sparkly velvet mini dress by Gucci that featured a blue PVC bustier with cut-out detailing across her chest lives in our mind rent free. Accessorising with 1950s inspired shades? Magnifique. Brigitte Bardot eat your heart out.
Devil Wears Prada Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway had the ultimate 'when life imitates art' moment, when she sat front row at the Michael Kors show next to Anna Wintour. The outfit she wore, a chocolate brown leather coat, was eerily similar to one of her character Andy Sachs' iconic ensembles from the film The Devil Wears Prada, with many fashion critics pointing out the similarities on Instagram. One account saying "I’m still in shock with this real life crossover! Anne channeling her inner Andy Sachs while seating next to Anna Wintour is everything I needed to see today." Iconic.
Shaggy Hair Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway proved that her style renaissance is at its peak. Styled by Erin Walsh she donned a shimmering backless navy gown from Ralph Lauren’s SS23 collection for the Elle Women in Hollywood gala, paired with a dazzling Bulgari Serpenti necklace. Her hair is what really caught our attention however, the artfully ‘undone’ full-fringed style had us reminiscing over Bridgit Bardot and every 60’s icon that ever was. It was a screen shot it and take it to your hairdresser moment.
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