Donald Petrie to helm 'Fashionistas'

Rex Features

Donald Petrie has signed up to direct chick flick Fashionistas, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Based on Lynn Messina's debut novel, the film will chart the career of a young designer who clashes with her ruthless boss.

The project, which spent years in development at Paramount before being set up independently, gained momentum after the success of The Devil Wears Prada.

Danny Fischer and Paula Chorley will script the adaptation, with Christine Peters and Michael Cerenzie serving as producers.

"As Sex And The City and Mamma Mia! have proved, there is a real hunger for female-driven comedies," said Peters.

"Fashionistas is the perfect marriage of humour and flirtation set in the exciting world of fashion and designers."