Senior editor and core member of the editorial team, contributing criticism and features across contemporary art, film and literature.

By Sara Bright

Dior’s ‘New Look’ collection is widely regarded as one of the most influential and revolutionary fashion collections of all time. Launched in 1947, it marked a radical departure from the austerity and simplicity of the wartime era, and introduced a new vision of femininity and glamour. The collection featured voluminous skirts, cinched waists, rounded shoulders, and lavish fabrics, creating a silhouette that was elegant, sophisticated, and dramatic.

The ‘New Look’ collection not only changed the face of fashion, but also the culture and society of the post-war period. It sparked controversy and admiration, criticism and emulation, and inspired generations of designers and artists. It also established Dior as one of the most prestigious and influential fashion houses in the world.

Now, a new series titled ‘The New Look’ aims to explore the history and impact of Dior’s iconic collection, and to recreate its magic and allure for a modern audience. The series, which will premiere on Netflix in 2024, is a collaboration between acclaimed director Sofia Coppola and renowned fashion journalist and author Alexandra Bregman.

How ‘The New Look’ Series Will Tell the Story of Dior’s Collection

‘The New Look’ series will consist of six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of Dior’s collection and its legacy. The series will combine archival footage, interviews, dramatisations, and recreations, to create a comprehensive and captivating narrative.

The first episode will introduce the context and background of Dior’s collection, and how it emerged from the ashes of World War II. It will also show the creative process and challenges that Dior faced in designing and producing his collection, and the reactions and responses that it received from the public and the press.

The second episode will examine the cultural and social impact of Dior’s collection, and how it influenced and reflected the changing roles and expectations of women in the post-war era. It will also explore the controversies and debates that Dior’s collection sparked, such as the accusations of wastefulness, extravagance, and anti-feminism.

The third episode will analyse the artistic and aesthetic influence of Dior’s collection, and how it inspired and shaped the work of other designers and artists, both contemporary and future. It will also highlight the key elements and features of Dior’s collection, such as the corolla skirt, the bar suit, and the flower motif.

The fourth episode will showcase the legacy and relevance of Dior’s collection, and how it has been reinterpreted and reinvented by various designers and brands over the years. It will also feature some of the most iconic and memorable pieces and moments from Dior’s collection, such as the wedding dress of Princess Margaret, the red coat of Audrey Hepburn, and the black dress of Princess Diana.

The fifth episode will reveal the behind-the-scenes and secrets of Dior’s collection, and how it was made and preserved. It will also delve into the craftsmanship and techniques that Dior and his team used, such as the draping, the tailoring, and the embroidery.

The sixth and final episode will celebrate the enduring and universal appeal of Dior’s collection, and how it continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world. It will also feature testimonials and tributes from celebrities, experts, and fans, who will share their personal stories and experiences with Dior’s collection.

How ‘The New Look’ Series Will Recreate Dior’s Collection for a Modern Audience

‘The New Look’ series will not only tell the story of Dior’s collection, but also recreate it for a modern audience. The series will feature original and authentic pieces from Dior’s collection, as well as replicas and reproductions, to bring the collection to life on screen.

The series will also enlist the help of some of the most talented and renowned fashion professionals and experts, who will collaborate and consult on the production and presentation of the collection. These include:

  • Sofia Coppola, the director of the series, who is known for her stylish and sophisticated films, such as ‘The Virgin Suicides’, ‘Lost in Translation’, and ‘Marie Antoinette’. Coppola is also a fan and friend of Dior, and has worked with the brand on several occasions, such as directing a short film for the Miss Dior fragrance, and designing a capsule collection for the Dior Baby line.
  • Alexandra Bregman, the writer and producer of the series, who is a respected and influential fashion journalist and author. Bregman is the editor-in-chief of Forbes Style, and has written several books on fashion and culture, such as ‘The End of Fashion’, ‘The Fashion Book’, and ‘The New Look: The Story of Dior’s Iconic Collection’.
  • Maria Grazia Chiuri, the current artistic director of Dior, who is the first woman to hold the position in the brand’s history. Chiuri is known for her feminist and modern approach to fashion, and has paid homage and tribute to Dior’s collection in several of her collections, such as the Spring/Summer 2017, the Fall/Winter 2018, and the Cruise 2020.
  • Olivier Saillard, the curator and historian of the series, who is one of the most prominent and respected figures in the fashion world. Saillard is the former director of the Palais Galliera, the fashion museum of Paris, and has organised and curated several exhibitions on fashion and art, such as ‘The Model as Muse’, ‘The Impossible Wardrobe’, and ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’.
  • Arianne Phillips, the costume designer of the series, who is an Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning costume designer and stylist. Phillips has worked on several films and music videos, such as ‘Walk the Line’, ‘A Single Man’, and ‘W.E.’. She has also collaborated with Madonna for over 20 years, and has designed and styled her tours, albums, and appearances.

‘The New Look’ series will be a must-watch for fashion lovers and enthusiasts, as well as for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of the post-war period. The series will offer a unique and immersive experience, and will transport the viewers to the glamorous and fascinating world of Dior and his collection.

The series will also be a tribute and a celebration of Dior’s collection, and its lasting and timeless beauty, elegance, and innovation. The series will show that Dior’s collection is not only a fashion collection, but also a masterpiece of art and a symbol of hope.