In "The New Look" Season 1, Episode 7, titled "It All Came True," the
narrative continues to unfold, revealing the intricate layers of personal and
professional challenges faced by Christian Dior and Coco Chanel amidst the
post-war landscape of Paris. This episode is a poignant exploration of the
characters' resilience, their creative visions, and the complexities of their
relationships.
Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) is still in Switzerland, where she is hiding out with her frenemy Elsa Lombardi. Chanel's desire to return to Paris and her perfumer is palpable, and Elsa's plan to secure their passage with Pierre Wertheimer adds a layer of intrigue. Wertheimer's fondness for Chanel is evident, despite their tumultuous past, and his agreement to help them travel safely back to Paris sets the stage for Chanel's return to her former life.
Back in Paris, Catherine (Maisie Williams), Dior's sister, is showing signs of recovery after her traumatic experiences in the prisoner-of-war camp. Her determination to help at a repatriation center, despite her own struggles, is a testament to her strength. Dior's (Ben Mendelsohn) protective instincts are in conflict with Catherine's desire to contribute, highlighting the family's dynamic and the lingering effects of war on their lives.
Dior's professional life takes a dramatic turn as he clashes with Marcel Boussac over the vision for his new couture house. The grand building chosen by Boussac is the antithesis of Dior's desired intimate and personal space, leading to a creative standoff. Dior's frustration is evident, and his eventual decision to confront Boussac and assert his artistic vision is a pivotal moment in his career.
Chanel's return to Paris is bittersweet. She is reunited with her nephew André, who is recovering from tuberculosis. However, her joy is short-lived as she discovers that the Wertheimer brothers have been producing and selling Chanel No.5 behind her back. Her bold move to reclaim her perfume by buying all the available stock in a Swiss shop and her subsequent plan to fight the Wertheimers sets up a battle for her legacy.
Dior's personal life is rife with tension, from his argument with Jacques to his conflict with Lelong over leaving Maison Lelong. His emotional speech to Boussac about bringing joy back to Paris after the war is a turning point, leading to him receiving the keys to his desired building for his couture house. This victory is tempered by his personal struggles, including Jacques' departure and his own doubts about the path he has chosen.
"The New Look" Season 1, Episode 7, "It All Came True," is a powerful installment that delves into the emotional and professional turmoil of its central characters. It showcases the resilience of the human spirit, the power of creative vision, and the complexities of relationships in a world still reeling from the effects of war. As the episode concludes, viewers are left with a sense of the indomitable spirit of those who shape the course of history, even as they grapple with their own personal demons and the challenges of a world in transition.