Primary Keyword: Coco Chanel
Secondary Keywords: The New Look, Juliette Binoche, World War II, Christian Dior
Tone of Voice: Informative, engaging and respectful
Introduction
It’s a common belief that the first thoughts that come to mind when hearing the names Coco Chanel and Christian Dior are of couture and iconic fashion. However, a new series on Apple TV+, The New Look, offers a startling revelation about Coco Chanel’s obscured past, particularly her involvement with the Nazi party during World War II.
The New Look: An Overview
The New Look is an illuminating series that explores Chanel’s lesser-known past. It stars Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong, and Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, Christian’s sister. The series delves into Chanel’s association with the Nazi party and the Dior family’s horrific experiences during the war.
Chanel’s Veiled Past
In The New Look, Juliette Binoche’s portrayal of Chanel sheds light on the designer’s history as a Nazi informant, a fact that has been conveniently left out of many historical accounts. This revelation might change the way people perceive Chanel and her iconic perfume, Chanel No. 5.
Chanel and the German Official
Chanel’s involvement with the Nazis, as depicted in the series, stemmed from her relationship with a German official. Binoche suggests that Chanel’s earlier relationship with Boy Capel, who bolstered her confidence but later betrayed her by marrying someone of higher status, had a significant impact on her actions during the war.
Chanel’s Perspective
Playing a character with such a controversial history was a challenge for Binoche. She had to understand the character’s motivations and not seek sympathy for her actions. Chanel’s manipulative nature and lack of premeditation are key elements of her character in the series.
Chanel and Spatz
Chanel’s relationship with a German official, Spatz, played by Claes Bang, is also a critical part of her story in The New Look. Spatz was a spy who had relationships with many women, and Chanel was one of them. Some believe that Chanel’s association with the Nazi party was not significant, but the series suggests otherwise.
Chanel, Dior, and World War II
The series also highlights the strained relationship between Chanel and Dior during World War II. Dior approached Chanel for help to rescue his sister Catherine from a Nazi work camp. However, Chanel did not extend the help, further cementing the animosity between the two fashion icons.
Chanel’s Only Concern
Despite her controversial associations, Chanel cared deeply for her nephew André, a French soldier captured by the Nazis. Some argue that Chanel’s involvement with the Nazis was primarily to secure her nephew’s release.
Chanel: A Survivor and Conqueror
Chanel’s actions during the war, despite their controversial nature, showcase her survival instinct and her determination to conquer challenges. Binoche describes Chanel as a star of design, an innovator who liberated women from restrictive fashion norms.
Chanel and the Germans
The series also hints at Chanel’s reluctance to dress the Germans despite their acquisition of her business. Binoche suggests that Chanel’s involvement with the German official Spatz might have been an attempt to lighten up a grim period and to secure her nephew’s freedom.
