Apple TV+'s 'The New Look' peels back the layers of Dior and Chanel's epic fashion rivalry
PARIS, FRANCE: Apple TV+'s 'The New Look' is a thrilling series revolving around the world's most celebrated fashion maestros navigating through the world of fashion in the aftermath of World War II.
Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, and Maisie Williams in the lead, the first three episodes of 'The New Look' premiered on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, February 14. The ten-episodic series will conclude at the start of April 2024.
'The New Look' shows the real-life rivalry between Christian Dior and Coco Chanel
Christian Dior and Coco Chanel stand as titans in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Their rise and rivalry are as intriguing as their groundbreaking contributions to the industry.
'The New Look' takes us back to the 20th century when in the aftermath of World War II, French designer Christian Dior gained the spotlight, drawing attention with his innovative designs.
Meanwhile, Coco Chanel had already solidified her legacy, having redefined women's fashion between the two World Wars. Her creations liberated women from the constraints of corsets, introducing practical yet chic ensembles.
The arrival of Dior on the scene sent shockwaves through the fashion world, offering a stark contrast to Chanel's aesthetic.
In 1947, Dior unveiled his inaugural couture collection in Paris, featuring voluminous skirts adorned with floral motifs, accentuated hips, cinched waists, and intricate layering. It marked a dramatic departure from Chanel's utilitarian designs.
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Dior's creations embodied dreams and extravagance, a stark departure from the wartime austerity that had gripped the fashion landscape. Chanel, on the other hand, criticized Dior's designs as impractical, fearing a regression to a bygone era of repression for women, as per King & Allen.
While Chanel continued to cater to those seeking understated elegance and versatility, Dior captivated audiences with his lavish creations. The rivalry between Dior's modernist vision and Chanel's pragmatic approach captured the attention of both the public and the media.
Who are the cast members of 'The New Look?
Ben Mendelsohn, who won the Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the Netflix drama series 'Bloodline' (2015–2017) is reprising the role of Christian Dior. Opposite him features French actress Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel.
Binoche is known for her memorable performances in 'Chocolat' and 'The English Patient'.
Other notable cast members include Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong, and Glenn Close as Carmel Snow.