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British actress Maisie Williams said the legacy of designer Christian Dior is rooted in his “special” ability to make women feel both “unbelievably feminine” and “tough” at the same time.
The person, aged 26, who first appeared as Arya Stark in the medieval fantasy show Game Of Thrones in 2011, is now the lead in the new Apple TV+ biographical series called The New Look.
The narrative follows the experiences of Dior, a renowned fashion figure known for his hope-inspiring designs, portrayed by Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn, recognized for his roles in Rogue One and The Dark Knight Rises. Alongside him is rival Coco Chanel, played by French actress Juliette Binoche, who has starred in over 60 films. Together with contemporaries Pierre Balmain (Thomas Poitevin) and Cristóbal Balenciaga, they navigated the challenges of a Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and left a lasting impact on modern fashion.
The brand’s heritage is centered on the emotions of women. According to Williams, Dior’s intention was to make women feel amazing once more, following a period of darkness, as she portrays Dior’s sister Catherine in an interview with the PA news agency.
“Even in modern times, the structure and tailoring of Dior clothing remains unmatched, exuding a strong sense of femininity with a touch of toughness. It is a rare and remarkable experience to feel both empowered and delicate in fashion, a testament to the distinctiveness of the Dior brand.”
The fact that the French fashion designer idolized his sister Catherine Dior, who was both a former French farmer and a fighter for the French Resistance during World War II, was well known. However, when she was arrested and subjected to torture by the Gestapo, the covert police force of Nazi Germany, Dior incorporated some of her principles and simple sayings into his work. One such mantra was “Love life,” which reflects the opulence and minimalism of his designs and remains an important aspect of the brand’s legacy today.
“Williams expressed that the strong bonds within a family have had a beautiful and lasting impact on the brand, highlighting the enduring influence they have had.”
I believe that Catherine was likely the sole family member who truly understood and accepted Christian for his authentic self, which greatly strengthened their relationship.
During the war, Christian felt a strong sense of duty to protect Catherine due to the difficult experiences she went through. When he was no longer able to fulfill this responsibility, it caused him immense pain and he coped by pouring his emotions into his work.
He held her and their mother in high regard. Therefore, when creating women’s clothing and fragrances, he felt it was fitting to name one after his sister, Miss Dior, who was the inspiration behind it.
After Dior’s passing in 1957 at the age of 52, his sister Catherine Dior, who rarely spoke about her experiences in internment camps and homes, played a key role in preserving her brother’s legacy. She served as the honorary president of the Christian-Dior Museum from 1999 until her death in 2008 at the age of 90.
Prior to the official establishment of his fashion brand and the introduction of his innovative initial line, known as the “New Look”, in 1947 after the end of World War II, Christian Dior collaborated with Balmain for his former associate, mentor, superior, and French fashion designer, Lucien Lelong.
Lelong did not physically create everything himself, but his unique perspective and imagination not only promoted sophistication among the upper class, but also inspired some of the most talented designers he collaborated with.
Similarly to other fashion brands that attempted to stay in business during the war, such as Jeanne Lanvin and Nina Ricci, the duo begrudgingly created gowns for the spouses of Nazi officials and French collaborators.
John Malkovich, known for his roles in “Death Of A Salesman” and “Red,” stated that he doesn’t believe talent can be taught. He is currently playing the role of Lucien Lelong in “The New Look.”
Christian Dior had a heightened sensitivity, which was something that needed to be improved upon and safeguarded in regards to his work. He was deeply concerned and affected by the trauma his sister, Catherine Dior, experienced. Ultimately, Dior had to take control of his own path, and Lelong came to accept that.
Todd A. Kessler, one of the executive producers on the show, added: “Their talent is to be able to express themselves, through design, through sketching and through creation, which saved all of their lives and helped to inform and inspire people [during the Second World War and subsequent Nazi occupation of France]. I mean, Dior opened 77 years ago, and still has an impact on all of us today.”
The Dior brand aimed to redefine femininity after a long period of austerity, and thanks to the monumental success of his “New Look” collection, most notably the Bar suit – which featured a notched collar – the House of Dior opened on 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris and continued to expand with iconic innovations, such as the “H-Line” and the “A-Line” silhouettes, eyewear, shoes, bags and perfumes like “J’adore”, which has sustained its legacy over the fashion landscape.
Some of the most desired shoe and bag styles, seen on celebrities like Princess Diana and Bella Hadid, are the Lady Dior bag from 1994, the It Girl Saddle bag from 1999, and the J’Adior slingback pumps.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who is also an executive producer for the show, emphasized how Dior drew inspiration from nature. He described it as rich and luxurious, but also with a touch of earthiness that people were longing for. In today’s world, we have a similar situation with Covid-19. We miss the simple pleasures of life, like dining at our favorite restaurant. Dior’s designs bring a sense of joy to our lives.
Malkovich stated that he believes creating is a remedy for many problems in the world. While it may not be a complete solution, it can counteract violence, chaos, savagery, and destruction. It also serves as a reminder to those who do not create, for various reasons including disinterest, of the beauty that humans are capable of producing. He sees it as a powerful medicine.
Apple TV+ will unveil The New Look on February 14.
Source: independent.co.uk
