Introduction
Apple TV’s new biographical drama, The New Look, takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of legendary fashion designer Christian Dior. This series chronicles Dior’s rise to fame and his intense rivalry with Coco Chanel as they revolutionized the fashion industry amidst the backdrop of World War II. Through meticulous costume design and powerful storytelling, The New Look captures the essence of Dior’s iconic fashion shows, bringing the emotions of those moments to life on screen.
Recreating Dior’s Fashion Shows
One of the most captivating aspects of The New Look is the faithful recreation of Christian Dior’s legendary fashion shows. Karen Muller Serreau, the costume designer for the series, reveals that two scenes in particular brought everyone on set to tears. The first was Dior’s debut fashion show in 1947, where his groundbreaking designs took the world by storm. The second emotional moment occurred during one of Dior’s final shows in 1956, showcasing the enduring impact of his work.
During the filming of the 1956 fashion show, Serreau recalls how the entire cast and crew, including Dior himself, were moved to tears. The atmosphere on set captured the essence of the original fashion show, evoking a deep emotional connection to the past. Serreau’s attention to detail and dedication to authenticity allowed everyone involved to experience the magic of Dior’s creations firsthand.
The Magic of Dior’s Iconic Designs
One of Christian Dior’s most iconic designs, known as “The Bar Suit,” played a significant role in The New Look. This ensemble, which appeared in Dior’s 1947 spring/summer collection, revolutionized post-war fashion and became synonymous with the designer’s vision. Serreau worked closely with Hélène Starkman, a cultural projects manager at Christian Dior Couture, to recreate this and other iconic looks from Dior’s archives.
To replicate Dior’s designs, Serreau immersed herself in historical archives, meticulously studying sketches, press images, and other references from that era. By carefully documenting the atmosphere and aesthetics of the time, she was able to bring Dior’s vision to life on screen. The attention to detail and the use of authentic materials ensured that every garment in The New Look captured the essence of Dior’s original creations.
Maisie Williams’ Emotional Journey
Actress Maisie Williams, known for her role in Game of Thrones, portrays Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s sister, in The New Look. For Williams, wearing the iconic Bar Suit during filming was a deeply emotional experience. It marked a pivotal moment in her character’s journey and allowed her to witness the power of Dior’s fashion firsthand.
As Williams watched the recreated fashion show unfold before her eyes, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of history and the impact of her character’s brother on the fashion world. The combination of Serreau’s stunning costume design and Williams’ portrayal of Catherine Dior made for a truly captivating and emotionally charged performance.
Collaborating with Dior Heritage
To ensure the utmost authenticity in The New Look, Karen Muller Serreau collaborated with representatives from Dior Heritage. This partnership allowed the production team to access invaluable resources and expertise directly from the fashion house itself. By working closely with Dior Heritage, Serreau and her team were able to recreate Dior’s designs with unparalleled accuracy.
The collaboration with Dior Heritage reached its pinnacle during the filming of the 1947 fashion shoot. Serreau, accompanied by representatives from Dior Heritage, witnessed the recreation of this iconic moment in Dior’s career. The experience was nothing short of magical, as everyone involved felt they were truly reliving a significant chapter in fashion history.
The Impact of Dior’s Fashion Shows
Christian Dior’s fashion shows were not merely glamorous spectacles; they were transformative events that shaped the fashion industry for generations to come. The New Look pays homage to these influential moments, highlighting their emotional impact on both the characters and the audience.
Dior’s debut fashion show in 1947, which introduced his revolutionary New Look collection, marked a turning point in fashion history. The voluminous skirts, cinched waists, and luxurious fabrics breathed new life into post-war fashion, captivating the world and solidifying Dior’s status as a visionary designer.
The recreated fashion shows in The New Look capture the essence of these transformative moments. The emotional resonance of witnessing Dior’s groundbreaking designs on the runway serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his work.
Other Articles
