An iconic fashion designer, a war-torn city, and a clothing line that revolutionized an industry 

Apple TV+’s The New Look is a 10-episode series chronicling Christian Dior’s rise to the top of the fashion industry. Starring Ben Mendelsohn as Dior and Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, the series takes us behind the seams, giving us a glimpse into the lives of Dior, Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and Cristóbal Balenciaga as they revolutionize fashion during the horrors of World War II.  

And this is one Apple TV+ series you won’t find on the clearance rack.  

Although a second season hasn’t been officially greenlit, the show’s creator, Todd A. Kessler, has already sketched out designs for more chapters in the story.  

Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel and Claes Bang as Spatz in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 1). Image Credit: Apple TV+

The New Look: what you need to know  

The lowdown on the Apple TV+ series, including where The New Look was filmed.  

What is The New Look about?  

The New Look on Apple TV+ is a 10-episode series about the true events that launched the world of modern fashion. The series tells the story of fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied and post-WWII Paris.  

When did Christian Dior’s New Look come out?  

The New Look TV series debuted on Feb. 14, 2024, exclusively on Apple TV+. Christian Dior’s “New Look” in fashion, part of his first collection, launched in 1947. Dior’s collection was revolutionary, introducing a new era of femininity and luxury in women’s fashion after the austerity of WWII. Despite Dior’s untimely death in 1957, the House of Dior continues to dominate the fashion industry today.  

See more: Your guide to Paris Fashion Week 

Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 1). Image Credit: Apple TV+

The New Look cast and the real people they play 

The New Look primarily focuses on Christian Dior, portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn, the legendary fashion designer who transformed post-WWII fashion. The series features an ensemble cast of actors portraying other iconic names in fashion history, including Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong, Thomas Poitevin as Pierre Balmain, and Nuno Lopes as Cristóbal Balenciaga. The cast also includes Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) as Catherine Dior, and Glenn Close as Carmel Snow. 

Although Emily Mortimer's character, Elsa Lombardi, is fictional, Vera Bate Lombardi, an English aristocrat, was a real-life associate of Chanel. It's believed that Elsa Lombardi was also inspired by Misia Sert, a remarkable musician who introduced Chanel to the art world.

Watch The New Look trailer

Where can I watch The New Look? 

The New Look is an Apple TV+ exclusive, so you’ll need to subscribe to the streaming service to watch it. Want to binge it on the go while en route to Paris from London by train? Trains in Europe often come with amenities like free Wi-Fi and food/beverage options, so you can kick back and stream The New Look as you leave London, ride beneath the English Channel, and arrive in the City of Light.  

Where was The New Look filmed? 

The New Look was set in and filmed exclusively in Paris, France. While some sets were constructed and filmed in the suburb of Saint-Denis at the Cité du Cinéma complex, many of the locations in the show — like Le Gallopin and the Grand Amphithéâtre at the Sorbonne — were the actual sites where these historic events took place. 

Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel and Emily Mortimer as Elsa Lombardi in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 2). Image Credit: Apple TV+

Dior & Chanel: then & now 

Planning a pilgrimage to Paris’ fashion landmarks? Make sure to visit the House of Dior and House of Chanel. Here’s where you can find the original and current boutiques in Paris.  

House of Dior 

Closest stations: Alma–Marceau (Paris Métro) | Franklin D. Roosevelt (Paris Métro) 

The original House of Dior is located at 30 Avenue Montaigne, between the Alma–Marceau and Franklin D. Roosevelt Métro stations. After several years of closure, it reopened to the public in 2022. This store remains Dior’s flagship Paris location and includes a restaurant, patisserie, and even an art museum. There are 37 Dior boutiques and stores in Paris, each offering a variety of Dior goods.  

House of Chanel 

Closest stations: Concorde (Paris Métro) | Madeleine (Paris Métro)  

The original House of Chanel, originally called Chanel Modes, is located at 21 Rue Cambon, between the Concorde and Madeleine Métro stations. In 1918, Coco Chanel bought the entire building at 31 Rue Cambon, which remains the location of Chanel’s flagship Paris store today. Another significant Chanel flagship store, which combines three buildings, is at 19 Rue Cambon, just 160 feet from the original headquarters. Chanel has 23 boutiques and stores throughout Paris.  

John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 1). Image Credit: Apple TV+

The New Look filming locations 

Add new stops to your Paris itinerary with visits to these The New Look filming locations.  

Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne 

Closest station: Cluny–La Sorbonne station (Paris Métro) 

A key filming location for The New Look series, the Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne was also the site of a major 1955 event where Dior showcased his creations, including pieces reminiscent of his iconic New Look. While the actual 1947 debut took place at his at 30 Avenue Montaigne atelier, this venue later hosted Dior for a fashion-focused conference, making it a fitting backdrop for the show’s fashion scenes. 

Musée des Arts Décoratifs 

Closest station: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre (Paris Métro) 

Located next to the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs features prominently in the series. The museum’s Salon du Bois room is where Lucien Lelong’s staff is seen stitching together dresses. 

Thomas Poitevin as Pierre Balmain, Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, Jaques Benita as David Kammenos, and John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 2). Image Credit: Apple TV+

Le Gallopin 

Closest station: Bourse (Paris Métro) 

Le Gallopin is an iconic brasserie and cocktail bar that opened in 1876. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, Le Gallopin was used as a filming site for The New Look.  

See more: The best neighborhoods to stay in Paris 

Maxim’s restaurant 

Closest station: Madeleine (Paris Métro) 

Maxim’s de Paris, a stylish restaurant that opened in 1893, was the place to be in the 1930s. It still holds legendary status today, which is why production filmed scenes for The New Look at the original Maxim’s location. 

John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong in The New Look (Season 1, Episode 5). Image Credit: Apple TV+

Lucien Lelong’s atelier  

Closest station: Carrefour Pleyel (Paris Métro) 

Lucien Lelong’s atelier, as depicted in The New Look, was filmed at the Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis. This filming complex, once an Art Deco power plant, was transformed into a film studio by French director Luc Besson. Christian Dior’s atelier was also staged and filmed here. 

Hotel Regina Louvre 

Closest station: Tuileries (Paris Métro) 

To create Coco Chanel’s ritzy apartment suite at the Ritz Paris, two locations were used: one was a soundstage, and the other was the Hotel Regina Louvre, a luxury hotel just a few blocks from the Louvre. 

Coco Chanel’s ‘apartment’ suite at the Ritz Paris 

Closest stations: Pyramides (Paris Métro) | Opéra (Paris Métro) 

While some scenes were filmed at the Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis, the real Ritz Paris, where Coco Chanel lived, is one of the city’s best hotels, located a short walk from both the Pyramides and Opéra Métro stations. 

Aerial view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Image Credit: Getty Images, Mike Reid Photography 

Plan a fashionable trip to Paris with Trainline  

Make your Paris experience unforgettable with tips, guides, and destination inspiration: 

Looking for more filming locations in Paris like The New Look? We’ve got you covered, just like a Dior La Cigale:  

Download the Trainline app, and we’ll get you there with ease via France’s trains and the Paris Métro.  

Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior in The New Look (Season 1 Episode 7). Header Image Credit: Apple TV+

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