Shortly before Andy’s trip to Paris, the entire senior staff at Runway assist her in making herself fashionable. They give her outfits to wear for every conceivable occasion, a dizzying number of shoes and bags to match, and scripted instructions on applying makeup and hairdressing. The intent of all these efforts is to make her look presentable while in Miranda’s company.

On the day that Miranda is to leave for Europe, she wants to run through a fashion shoot layout. This sends all the editorial staff into a panic. Andy says, “They were all masters at what they do, but Miranda was the ultimate. She was the ever-aloof consumer, coolly moving from one gorgeous stall to the next, never feigning any show of interest” (323). After creating as much stress as possible, the editor leaves the office early to catch her flight.

Andy then prepares for her own trip. For seven blissful hours, she enjoys the flight because Miranda can’t contact her in the air. However, the minute the assistant arrives in Paris, Miranda badgers her with phone calls every 10 minutes. Jetlagged and disoriented, Andy doesn’t even have time to unpack before the non-stop harassment begins.

Miranda learns that she’s to receive an award from the fashion industry that morning and give a short acceptance speech.