Cast of ‘The New Look’ Reflects on Chanel and Dior’s War-Torn Past
Juliette Binoche, Ben Mendelsohn and John Malkovich, stars of a new series set in World War II Paris, discussed French fashion history at the show’s premiere in New York.
Premiere of 'The New Look'
On Monday evening, a crowd gathered at the French Institute Alliance Française in Manhattan for the premiere of the Apple TV+ series 'The New Look.' The show tells the origin story of fashion houses Chanel and Dior, focusing on Coco Chanel and Christian Dior's lives in war-torn Paris during the 1940s. The period drama chronicles their rivalry and how they navigated the moral challenges of living in Nazi-occupied Paris.
The series also explores the impact of the war on other fashion designers such as Cristóbal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, and Pierre Cardin. It delves into Chanel's collaboration with the Nazi party, including her use of Aryan laws and her involvement as a secret agent. Dior, on the other hand, reluctantly created gowns for the wives of Nazis while his sister was arrested as a resistance fighter.
During the premiere, the cast of the show reflected on the challenges of portraying these complex characters. Juliette Binoche, who plays Coco Chanel, emphasized her role in showing the reality of Chanel's life during a dark and dehumanizing time. Ben Mendelsohn, who plays Christian Dior, discussed how the show explores what these fashion titans endured, triumphed at, and failed at during the war.
The Music and Fashion Connection
Jack Antonoff, the producer of the show's soundtrack, spoke about the significance of music and fashion in the face of occupation. He aimed to capture the idea that humans feel the need to create, even in the midst of joys or horrors. Antonoff revealed that he wore suits made by Martin Greenfield, a Holocaust survivor and master tailor from Brooklyn, as a way to honor the resilience and history behind his craft.
With the series' first episode screened, the audience gave an ovation to the cast, which includes John Malkovich as couturier Lucien Lelong, Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, and Glenn Close as Harper's Bazaar editor Carmel Snow. Todd A. Kessler, the show's creator, announced that the premiere coincided with the 77th anniversary of Dior's first collection in Paris.
After the screening, the guests attended an after-party at The Pool, where they enjoyed music from D.J.s and indulged in hors d'oeuvres. The event took place in the Seagram Building, which was designed by architect Philip Johnson, a former Nazi sympathizer. Despite the historical associations, the party atmosphere dismissed the brutish realities of the past.
A Night of Celebration
The premiere of 'The New Look' brought together notable figures from the fashion and entertainment industries. It offered a chance to reflect on French fashion history and the impact of World War II on the industry. Through the stories of Chanel and Dior, the series sheds light on the challenges faced by these iconic designers during a tumultuous period in history.
The cast, including Juliette Binoche, Ben Mendelsohn, and John Malkovich, embraced the opportunity to explore the complexities of their characters. The event also highlighted the connection between music and fashion, as composer Jack Antonoff spoke about the power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Overall, the premiere and after-party provided a celebratory atmosphere, where guests could enjoy the show's first episode and appreciate the resilience and artistry of the fashion world. The blend of history, storytelling, and entertainment creates a compelling narrative that captivates audiences.
