In Season 1, Episode 7 of "The New Look," titled "It All Came True," the narrative deepens, unveiling the multi-faceted personal and professional struggles confronted by Christian Dior and Coco Chanel within the post-war Parisian landscape. This episode serves as an emotionally rich exploration of the characters' unwavering resilience, their creative aspirations, and the intricate tapestry of their interpersonal connections.
Coco Chanel (portrayed by Juliette Binoche) remains exiled in Switzerland, where she finds refuge with her ambiguous ally, Elsa Lombardi. Chanel's longing to return to Paris and reconnect with her perfumer is almost tangible, while Elsa's scheme to facilitate their journey back with the assistance of Pierre Wertheimer introduces an additional layer of suspense. Wertheimer's underlying affection for Chanel, despite their tumultuous history, becomes apparent as he agrees to orchestrate their safe return to Paris, thereby paving the way for Chanel's re-entrance into her former world.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Catherine (played by Maisie Williams), Dior's sister, exhibits signs of recuperation from her harrowing experiences in a prisoner-of-war camp. Her steadfast determination to assist at a repatriation center, despite her own personal battles, underscores her profound strength. Dior's (portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn) protective instincts clash with Catherine's yearning to contribute, illuminating the complex dynamics within their family and the lingering shadows cast by the war on their lives.
Dior's professional sphere undergoes a transformative upheaval as he locks horns with Marcel Boussac over the vision for his nascent couture house. The majestic building selected by Boussac stands in stark contrast to Dior's envisioned intimate and personal sanctuary, leading to a creative confrontation. Dior's frustrations bubble over, and his eventual decision to confront Boussac and assert his artistic vision marks a defining juncture in his career trajectory.
Chanel's triumphant return to Paris is a blend of sweet and sorrowful emotions. She is warmly reunited with her nephew André, who is steadfastly recovering from his battle with tuberculosis. Yet, her elation is fleeting as she uncovers a deceitful plot—the Wertheimer brothers have been clandestinely manufacturing and marketing Chanel No.5 without her consent. Determined to reclaim her scent, Chanel takes a daring leap by acquiring every available bottle in a Swiss boutique, setting the stage for an epic confrontation with the Wertheimers that will determine the fate of her legacy.
Dior's personal life is a whirlwind of conflicts, from his heated disagreements with Jacques to his bitter strife with Lelong over his decision to depart Maison Lelong. His heartfelt speech to Boussac, vowing to restore joy to Paris following the war's devastation, marks a pivotal moment, culminating in him being handed the keys to his long-desired couture house. However, this triumph is overshadowed by personal turmoil, including Jacques' departure and Dior's own lingering doubts about the path he has chosen.
"The New Look" Season 1, Episode 7, titled "It All Came True," is a profound chapter that delves deep into the emotional and professional struggles of its central figures. It illuminates the unyielding spirit of the human soul, the formidable strength of creative vision, and the intricate dynamics of relationships in a world still grappling with the aftermath of war. As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a profound sense of the unstoppable force of those who mold the fabric of history, even as they wrestling with their inner demons and the myriad challenges of a world in transition.
