‘The New Look’ Apple TV+ Series Review - A Deeper Look into the World of Fashion and Its Intricacies

Who could resist the allure of branded goods? From the iconic Christian Dior fragrances to the exquisite attire of Chanel and beyond, the realm of luxury brands captivates.  Yet, behind their global renown lies a tale of perseverance. The New Look unveils this narrative—a tribute to designers who braved challenges to pursue their passion: the art of fashion design.

We get to hear the journey of Dior from none other than the man himself- Christian Dior. While interacting with top design students from across the globe he shares his life. Set in the backdrop of World War II and post-war, a timid Christian is working for Lucien Lelong.  They design gowns for the Nazis. Conversely, the fearless Coco Chanel remains steadfast in her resolve not to design clothing for them. Coco is fighting hard to keep her company. Her partners in the company have fled. Things don’t go as planned for Coco as she in lieu of getting her nephew released from the clutches of the Nazis, now has to return the favor.  Does that mean that Coco now has to start working for them? For Dior too, things take a sharp turn when his sister Cathrine is taken as a political prisoner at Rue de la Pompe.

As the war ends, Dior and Chanel emerge as contemporaries in the fashion world, their relationship tinged with a hint of rivalry. Post-war, Dior endeavors to launch his collection and signature scents, overcoming numerous hardships in his professional career. With a steadfast determination to leave the horrors of war behind, he introduces his revolutionary "New Look," symbolizing a fresh start and a departure from the past.

"The New Look" delves into the trials and triumphs of these fashion pioneers during World War II, highlighting their resilience and ability to rebuild from scratch. The show meticulously depicts key events of the era, offering viewers insight into the challenges faced by these trailblazers.

Certain important aspects of World War II related to the story have been depicted in great detail here. The actors- Ben Mendelsohn who plays Christian Dior, Juliette Binoche who plays Coco Chanel and all the other casts shine in their roles. They breathe life into their characters, infusing each scene with the perfect balance of emotion and authenticity. Through their portrayals, audiences gain a deeper understanding of the personal struggles and sacrifices endured by these fashion icons.

"The New Look" delves into the trials and triumphs of these fashion pioneers during World War II, highlighting their resilience and ability to rebuild from scratch. The show meticulously depicts key events of the era, offering viewers insight into the challenges faced by these trailblazers. Overall, "The New Look" serves as a poignant tribute to Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and their contemporaries, showcasing their indomitable spirit and enduring legacy in shaping the world of fashion.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note: All 10 episodes are screened for this review.
Premiere Date: February 14, 2024, on Apple TV+ with its first three episodes, while the rest will be released weekly every Wednesday.