In Season 1, Episode 6 of "The New Look," titled "If You Believed in Me," the narrative delves profoundly into the post-war struggles faced by Christian Dior (portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn) and Coco Chanel (embodied by Juliette Binoche), casting a vivid light on their personal battles and the lingering shadows cast by World War II upon their lives and careers.
The episode unfolds with Christian Dior tenderly nursing his sister, Catherine, who is grappling with the haunting memories of her ordeal in a concentration camp. Although Dior is overjoyed at her return, his relief is quickly overshadowed by the grim reality of her condition—she suffers from amnesia, her mind tormented by nightmarish visions. The emotional burden of Catherine's recovery journey is almost tangible, and Dior's unwavering commitment to her stands as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond they share.
Dior's professional trajectory takes a decisive turn as he secures crucial funding from Marcel Boussac to establish his own couture house. Despite the formidable demands of his burgeoning enterprise, Dior remains steadfastly determined to maintain a delicate balance between his responsibilities towards his sister and his growing business. His meeting with Boussac marks a pivotal moment, where he boldly requests additional time to care for Catherine, underscoring the intense tension that exists between his personal and professional life.
Meanwhile, Coco Chanel's saga continues in the tranquil but isolating confines of Switzerland, where she finds herself in exile due to her controversial collaboration with the Nazis. Her financial struggles intensify as she grapples with the formidable task of settling her hotel bills and reclaiming control of her iconic perfume, Chanel No. 5, from the Wertheimers, who have been surreptitiously manufacturing it in her absence. Chanel's desperation reaches a fever pitch when she encounters Elsa Lombardi, a former acquaintance who ruthlessly blackmails her for money, threatening to expose her Nazi ties and plunge her into a deeper abyss of disgrace.
Chanel's unwavering resolve to reclaim her signature perfume and reassert her dominance in the fashion sphere propels her into a confrontation with the Wertheimers. The discovery of an exclusive gathering they hosted at her hotel, to which she was conspicuously not extended an invitation, adds a layer of insult to her already injured pride. Her clash with Pierre Wertheimer escalates into a fiery exchange, yet amidst the tensions, it begins to appear that Chanel might just be on the cusp of reclaiming the reins of her fortune.
Meanwhile, Dior's dedication to his craft shines brightly as he meticulously interviews aspiring designers for Maison Lelong, encountering the charismatic Pierre Cardin among them. Despite Lelong's misgivings, Dior perceives a spark of promise in Cardin, heralding the dawn of a fresh era in the realm of fashion.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Catherine's enduring strength is acknowledged by a friend of Jean's, who leads her and Dior to Jean's grave. There, he pays tribute to her, revealing that her steadfast refusal to divulge names under torture had been the beacon that saved his life. This profound recognition serves as a catalyst for Catherine's healing journey, as she finally embraces her brother, marking a significant stride towards emotional recovery.
"The New Look," Season 1, Episode 6, titled "If You Believed in Me," is a profoundly moving exploration of the aftermath of war and the indomitable spirit of humanity. It illuminates the intricate personal and professional trials confronted by Dior and Chanel, as well as the unbreakable bonds of family and the transformative power of redemption. As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a palpable sense of hope amidst the chaos, as Dior and Chanel continue their relentless battles to uphold their legacies in a world forever scarred by conflict.
