Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
As someone who came of age in the 1980s, I became aware of the indelible influence of fashion powerhouses like Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. Even as someone not particularly immersed in the fashion world, it was impossible to overlook these houses' profound impact on the cultural landscape of the time.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, fashion models ascended to the status of "supermodels" by donning gowns crafted by these iconic fashion houses, which had reigned over the Paris runways and magazine covers since the conclusion of WW2, marking a significant era in fashion history.
The New Look is not just a compelling story but a journey back to the rise of French fashion born out of the ashes of WW2 in Paris. It vividly portrays the parallel journeys of survival and sacrifice that Christian Dior and Coco Chanel navigated during the Nazi occupation of France, giving us a glimpse into the different moral pathways they took to help their family and businesses survive the war.
This stellar ensemble cast breathes life into what were once mere historical figures for me. Ben Mendelsohn's portrayal of Dior is not just masterful; it also tugs at the heartstrings with his depiction of Dior's love for his sister and his internal struggle to balance ambition and friendships.
Also, knowing that Mendelsohn is from Australia, I was surprised to find his French accent so utterly convincing, further enhancing the authenticity of the series.
Years ago, I read a biography of Coco Chanel, and from what I remember of the book, Juliette Binoche is entirely believable in the role of the rags-to-riches ambitious icon that Coco was.
Throughout the series, Binoche had my teeth gritting with frustration at her complicity with the Nazis, as well as empathizing with her struggle for independence in a man's world. The ways that both Dior and Chanel were similar in their fierce love and allegiance to family are so well done.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention John Malkovich, who plays the elder statesman Lucien Lalonde in a supporting role. First off, let me say that his French accent is terrible. Once I got past that fact, I found his performance so moving. As a veteran actor, it is unsurprising that he is so convincingly thoughtful, strong, and empathetic in this role. The way he interacts with Dior is just lovely.
Finally, the role that Haute Couture has played in the cultural zeitgeist of the latter half of the 20th Century until now can, in some ways, be measured by how ubiquitous these designer names have become.
This largely is thanks to fashion magazines' influence on American and European culture throughout the decades. Glenn Close, who plays Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow, gives us an insightful glimpse into the power that a woman in her position had at the time and in the following decades.
I highly recommend this series. It is equal parts informative and moving.
READ MORE > Nomi's Pics, Rambler Cafe Blog
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