In "The New Look" Season 1, Episode 6, titled "If You Believed in Me," the narrative delves deeper into the post-war struggles of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, shedding light on their personal battles and the lingering effects of World War II on their lives and careers.
The episode opens with Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) caring for his sister, Catherine, who is grappling with the traumatic memories of her time in a concentration camp. Dior's relief at her return is overshadowed by the reality of her condition, as she suffers from amnesia and is haunted by nightmares. The emotional weight of Catherine's recovery process is palpable, and Dior's dedication to her is a testament to the strength of their sibling bond.
Dior's professional life takes a significant turn as he secures funding from Marcel Boussac to open his own couture house. Despite the demands of his work, Dior is determined to balance his responsibilities towards his sister and his growing business. His meeting with Boussac is a pivotal moment, where he requests more time to care for Catherine, highlighting the tension between his personal and professional life.
Coco Chanel's (Juliette Binoche) story continues in Switzerland, where she is in exile due to her collaboration with the Nazis. Her financial woes escalate as she struggles to pay her hotel bills and regain control of her perfume, Chanel No.5, from the Wertheimers, who have been secretly producing it behind her back. Chanel's desperation reaches a boiling point when she encounters Elsa Lombardi, a former acquaintance who blackmails her for money, threatening to expose her Nazi ties.
Chanel's determination to reclaim her perfume and her place in the fashion world leads her to confront the Wertheimers. Her discovery of a party hosted by them at her hotel, to which she is not invited, adds insult to injury. The confrontation with Pierre Wertheimer results in a heated exchange, but ultimately, it seems that Chanel might be on the verge of regaining control of her fortune.
Dior's commitment to his work is evident as he interviews new designers for Maison Lelong, including the charismatic Pierre Cardin. Despite Lelong's reservations, Dior sees potential in Cardin, signaling a new chapter in the world of fashion.
In a poignant moment, Catherine's resilience is recognized by a friend of Jean, who takes her and Dior to his grave. He credits her for his survival, as her refusal to give names under torture saved his life. This recognition leads to a breakthrough in Catherine's recovery, as she finally embraces her brother, signifying a step towards healing.
"The New Look" Season 1, Episode 6, "If You Believed in Me," is a powerful exploration of the aftermath of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It showcases the personal and professional challenges faced by Dior and Chanel, as well as the strength of family bonds and the power of redemption. As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a sense of hope amidst the turmoil, as both Dior and Chanel continue to fight for their legacies in a world forever changed by war.