“The New Look”: A Fusion of History and Fashion in Wartime Paris
In the realm of prestige TV, "The New Look" on Apple TV+ offers a refreshing perspective on World War II, highlighting the fashion industry’s resilience in Paris. Created by Todd A. Kessler of “Bloodline,” this drama spotlights Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, two luminaries of fashion, played by Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche, respectively. A […]
In the realm of prestige TV, "The New Look" on Apple TV+ offers a refreshing perspective on World War II, highlighting the fashion industry's resilience in Paris. Created by Todd A. Kessler of “Bloodline,” this drama spotlights Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, two luminaries of fashion, played by Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche, respectively.
A Tale of Two Fashion Icons
- Christian Dior: Embodied by Ben Mendelsohn, Dior is portrayed as a sensitive dreamer. His journey is intricately connected to his younger sister, Catherine (Maisie Williams), who bravely joined the anti-German Resistance and endured the horrors of the Ravensbrück concentration camp.
- Coco Chanel: Juliette Binoche brings to life the shrewd, self-made entrepreneur, Coco Chanel. Her controversial collaboration with the Nazis, explored in depth in the 2011 biography “Sleeping With the Enemy,” forms a critical part of the narrative.
The Essence of "The New Look"
- Historical Backdrop: Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, the series delves into the complex interplay between war's brutality and the fragility of art.
- Fashion and War: The show aims to showcase the influence of war on fashion, juxtaposing the grim realities of the occupation with the transformative power of style.
Narrative and Character Portrayals
- Focus on Familiar Tropes: While aiming to highlight the aftermath of war, "The New Look" spends significant time on well-trodden paths, emphasizing the occupation period.
- Character Dynamics: Dior, working under mentor Lucien Lelong (John Malkovich), sustains the French fashion scene, while Chanel’s controversial decisions, including her affair with a Nazi officer, highlight the moral ambiguities of the era.
Critique and Perspectives
- Underdeveloped Artistic Insights: The series has been critiqued for not delving deeply into what made Dior and Chanel revolutionary in their craft. The exploration of their creative processes and contributions seems secondary to the historical narrative.
- Moral Ambiguities: Chanel’s portrayal, in particular, is seen as overly sympathetic, failing to confront the ethical implications of her actions during the war.
Reflection
"The New Look," with its blend of historical drama and fashion evolution, presents a unique viewpoint on a well-covered period. The series navigates through complex characters and moral dilemmas, offering a window into how fashion can reflect and influence the world in times of turmoil.
Watch "The New Look" on Apple TV+ for a deep dive into the intertwined narratives of war, fashion, and resilience.
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