'The New Look' on Apple TV+: Coco Chanel and Elsa Lambordi join hands in pursuit of financial gains
LAS ANGELS, CALIFORNIA: Apple TV+'s new series, 'The New Look,' provides an insight into the fashion industry's rise from the ashes of World War II.
Created by Todd A. Kessler, the show focuses on the lives of fashion titans Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) and Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche), beyond the catwalks, as both battle to maintain control over their personal and professional lives.
At the beginning of the series, Coco is shown as the epitome of a tough woman who never gives in, however, because of her questionable relationships with Germans, she is facing major difficulties.
While exiling in Switzerland, she meets her frenemy, Elsa Lombardi (Emily Mortimer) and together, the women come up with a plan to get back on their feet by opening an opulent new boutique in the picturesque Swiss Alps.
Who is Elsa Lombardi in 'The New Look?'
The fictitious character Elsa Lombardi is inspired by Vera Bate Lombardi, a real-life acquaintance of Coco Chanel.
As the series depicts, the two had a close connection in the past, while Lombardi served as the House of Chanel's public relations representative. The two appeared to be close friends, which benefited both of them greatly.
Coco's social standing was enhanced when she was introduced to the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, and the 2nd Duke of Westminster, Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, by Lombardi.
Whereas, Lombardi also received praise from the upper classes when she wore Coco's creations.
What happened between Elsa Lombardi and Coco Chanel?
Nothing specific regarding the ill will between the two women was revealed in the previous episode, however, it was revealed later in the runtime of the show that Elsa was caught up in Coco's schemes to meet Winston Churchill.
After German official Walter Schellenberg (Jannis Niewöhner) instructed Coco to see Winston Churchill, she sought Elsa's help in order to complete her task.
Elsa, too, decides to assist her in acquiring some dollars; nevertheless, the two engage in a furious war of words, which was hurtful for Elsa.
Derailing their plan, Coco discovers the next day that Elsa has vanished and has revealed her actual intentions to Ambassador Hoare (Adrian Schiller), putting strain on their relationship.
Why are Elsa Lombardi and Coco Chanel working together?
Both of the women are victims of their own actions. Coco hoped to benefit from her connections to Germany while attempting to obtain full ownership of her business by enforcing Aryan laws on the Wertheimer brothers, her former partners.
Elsa, while being deemed illegitimate, has close links to the English royal family. She becomes an outcast.Nonetheless, after her family finds out about her latest scheme to meet Churchill with Coco.
Having no other option, they turn to one another for comfort.
As seen in the last episode, Elsa is willing to assist Coco in opening a boutique in Switzerland in exchange for monetary compensation.
It's reasonable to infer that, for the time being, women are working together in the hopes of securing financial benefits that will serve as a motivator for their recent make up.
'The New Look' is streaming on Apple TV+