Apple TV+'s 'The New Look' peels back the layers of Dior and Chanel's epic fashion rivalry

'The New Look' explores the shocking rivalry between Christian Dior and his contemporaries
PUBLISHED FEB 14, 2024
Ben Mendelsohn in 'The New Look' (Apple TV+)
Ben Mendelsohn in 'The New Look' (Apple TV+)

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.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)


 

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.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The MGM+ series was greenlit for an eight-episode second run after the show's solid showing
1 hour ago
NBC is stacking its slate again as Dan Goor lines up a sharp new detective comedy, while dramas and reboots quietly crowd the runway.
6 hours ago
An LAPD series lands on Netflix after 13 years, giving a new generation a fascinating look at LA cops nobody saw the first time.
6 hours ago
From Montana to Manhattan, a grieving family seeks connection as Taylor Sheridan’s newest neo-western, ‘The Madison,’ sets its Paramount+ debut.
11 hours ago
Despite the mixed reception, fans have been wondering if there is a season 2 in the offing
1 day ago
At the time of writing, there is no official release date set for 'Tomb Raider'
1 day ago
The second episode of 'The Pitt' Season 2 focused on Dr. Santos' patient, Kylie, with many questioning the whereabouts of Kiara Alfaro
1 day ago
Amid Dr. Robby and Dr. Baran's differences, the latest episode of 'The Pitt's' Season 2 ended with a patient in the ER shouting a cryptic number.
1 day ago
Starz had previously confirmed that it would not produce a fourth season of the popular crime drama show
1 day ago
The second episode of 'The Pitt' hinted at a possible romance during another grueling hour at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center
1 day ago