The world of high fashion takes center stage on streaming platforms in early 2024 with two captivating series. January brings the release of “Cristóbal Balenciaga” on Disney+, chronicling the ascent of the Spanish designer, while February sees “The New Look” premiering on Apple TV+, narrating the epic tale of Christian Dior. Both stories interweave through 20th-century Paris, spotlighting these legendary designers. Just like Coco Chanel portrayed by Anouk Grinberg and Juliette Binoche in each respective series.
The series dedicated to Cristóbal Balenciaga delves into the life of the Spanish maestro who sought refuge in Paris in 1937 amid the Spanish Civil War. It portrays his earlier success as a tailor and fashion designer in San Sebastian and Madrid. This original series, inspired by his life, is produced by Xavier Berzosa through Moriarti Produkzioak and Irusoin production. Lourdes Iglesias and directors Aitor Arregi, Jon Garaño, and Jose Mari Goenaga bring this tale to life.
Spanish actor Alberto San Juan leads the cast, accompanied by an international ensemble. Alongside Grinberg, the series features French actors Patrice Thibaud as Christian Dior, Anne-Victoire Olivier as Audrey Hepburn, Nine d’Urso as model Colette, and Gabrielle Lazure as Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow.
Balenciaga’s legacy, known for his precision in silhouettes and volumes, saw the closure of his house in 1968, reopening in 1986 under the Kering group’s ownership and now helmed by Demna Gvasalia. Disney+ describes the series as a journey into “the world of this mysterious man of exceptional talent who challenged norms and transformed the fashion landscape.”
Meanwhile, “The New Look” spotlights Christian Dior’s arrival on the Paris fashion scene in the late 1940s. Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Todd A. Kessler, this American ten-part series illuminates Dior’s journey from the post-war era to the creation of his renowned “New Look.” It explores his rivalry with Coco Chanel, with Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn portraying Dior.
Both series feature notable characters of the time, including Lucien Lelong and Pierre Balmain, portrayed respectively by John Malkovich and Thomas Poitevin. Nuno Lopes takes on the role of Cristóbal Balenciaga, while Maisie Williams plays Catherine Dior, the designer’s sister.
These enthralling series offer a glimpse into a captivating period in French fashion, setting the stage for the upcoming release of “The Kaiser,” focusing on Karl Lagerfeld, anticipated on Disney+ next year.
