Apple TV+ ‘La Maison’ Episode 7 Review - When Beauty Fades, the Heart Rises

Episode 7 of La Maison ("La Vie En Rose") masterfully balances the ostentatious beauty of high fashion with the fragility of the human experience. The narrative centers on Esther, whose passion for fashion is in stark contrast to the decaying glamour of the fashion house she calls home. This episode feels like the calm before a storm, a perfect metaphor for the ebb and flow of both the fashion industry and the characters’ lives. It’s not about the clothes anymore—it’s about survival.

Esther is a fascinating character to watch in this episode. We see her struggling to maintain the Maison’s reputation, and with each decision, the cracks in her composure start to show. What makes this episode stand out is how it portrays fashion not as an industry, but as a living, breathing entity that reflects the personal turmoil of those within it. There’s a beautiful irony in the idea that as the clothes remain meticulously flawless, the people behind them are anything but.

One of the most intriguing elements is how the show plays with the concept of beauty, using the fashion house as a backdrop for examining deeper human emotions. The exquisite visuals are still there—lush fabrics, breathtaking silhouettes, and Parisian elegance—but they no longer steal the spotlight. Instead, the emotional vulnerability of the characters takes center stage, giving the episode a soul that transcends its surface-level aesthetics. It’s a subtle, poignant take on the idea that fashion, while fleeting, can encapsulate much more than material beauty.

The relationships, especially between Esther and her closest colleagues, are pushed to new heights of tension. There’s a palpable sense of frustration as the characters grapple with their personal demons, all while trying to uphold the facade of the fashion world. The show cleverly juxtaposes these personal struggles with the fading grandeur of the Maison itself, creating an atmosphere of impending collapse that keeps you hooked.

At times, the pacing feels off. The introspective tone can become a bit too heavy-handed, making the episode drag in parts. There’s a lot of emotional weight, but the episode could have benefited from sharper dialogue or more dynamic scenes to break up the intense atmosphere. While the slow burn works for character development, it does leave the audience waiting for something more explosive to happen.

That said, La Vie En Rose succeeds in peeling back the layers of the fashion world and exposing the raw, unfiltered emotions that drive it. The music, as always, is a highlight, with each note perfectly underscoring the episode’s mood. The haunting melody of "La Vie En Rose" serves as a fitting metaphor for the episode—beautiful, but tinged with melancholy.

The cinematography is breathtaking, as expected from a show that thrives on visual appeal. The attention to detail in every shot, from the subtle play of light on fabric to the way characters are framed within the decaying fashion house, is stunning. Each scene feels like a carefully crafted editorial spread, bringing the Maison to life as a character in its own right.

Ultimately, Episode 7 is a reflection of impermanence. The Maison, much like the characters, is past its prime, but there’s something beautiful about its slow decline. The episode leaves you with the sense that sometimes, beauty is found not in perfection, but in the flaws and cracks that come with time.

La Vie En Rose is not without its flaws, but it’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant episode that continues to explore the depths of its characters. It might not be the most fast-paced hour of television, but its delicate storytelling and rich atmosphere more than makeup for it. If you're willing to slow down and appreciate the intricate details, this episode offers a rewarding glimpse into the heart of La Maison.

Final Score- [7/10]