World War II provides a compelling backdrop for countless stories, and within this historical period, the lives of fashion designers offer a unique and fascinating perspective. While war movies often focus on soldiers and battles, series like “The New Look” delve into the experiences of individuals who, despite not being on the front lines, were deeply affected by the conflict and continued to shape culture and society. These narratives reveal the resilience, creativity, and sometimes controversial choices of fashion icons during turbulent times.
“The New Look” on Apple TV+ presents a dramatized account of Christian Dior (Ben Mendelssohn) and Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Dior, working for Lucien Lelong (John Malkovich), is portrayed balancing his burgeoning design career with resistance efforts alongside his sister Catherine Dior (Maisie Williams). In contrast, Coco Chanel’s storyline takes a darker turn as she is depicted collaborating with a German agent, Spatz (Claes Bang), on a clandestine mission. This series exemplifies how Movies About Fashion Designers can explore complex moral dilemmas and the personal struggles of these influential figures against the backdrop of significant historical events.
The narrative skillfully intertwines the professional and personal lives of these fashion icons as they navigate survival under Nazi occupation. The constant threat from spies and collaborators creates a palpable sense of tension, emphasizing the precariousness of their existence. This element of danger and intrigue is a common thread in movies about fashion designers, adding a layer of drama beyond the aesthetics of the fashion world. The series effectively captures the fight for survival and livelihood that these designers faced, a compelling aspect often explored in films focusing on creative professionals during wartime.
Visually, “The New Look” is striking. The direction, helmed by talents like Julia Ducournau and Helen Shaver, alongside creator Todd A Kessler, is commendable. The series boasts beautiful filming locations and meticulous set design, creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere of wartime Paris. The cinematography enhances the historical setting, making the series visually captivating. Attention to detail in recreating the era’s aesthetics is crucial in movies about fashion designers, as the visual representation of the fashion and the times significantly contributes to the audience’s experience.
The casting of “The New Look” is another strong point. Ben Mendelssohn and Juliette Binoche deliver powerful performances as Dior and Chanel, respectively. The supporting cast, including Maisie Williams, Claes Bang, Emily Mortimer, and John Malkovich, further enriches the series. Movies about fashion designers often rely on strong lead performances to embody the charisma and complexity of these iconic figures, and “The New Look” succeeds in this aspect. The actors convincingly portray the emotional and professional challenges faced by their characters.
“The New Look” successfully blends the world of high fashion with the intense backdrop of World War II. While the series focuses primarily on Dior and Chanel, it also effectively develops its supporting characters, drawing viewers into their intertwined stories. For those interested in movies about fashion designers, particularly those set against historical events, “The New Look” offers a compelling and well-crafted narrative that explores the intersection of creativity, survival, and moral choices during wartime. It highlights a less-explored facet of World War II, making it a fascinating watch for those seeking stories beyond traditional war narratives and delving into the lives of cultural figures.
