Ben Mendelsohn’s four-decade-long career has been replete with a remarkable metamorphosis, culminating in his most cherished role as the iconic Christian Dior in the Apple TV+ series, The New Look. This biographical drama series delves into the lesser-known facets of Dior’s life during World War II, exploring his tumultuous relationship with his sister Catherine and the mysterytic Coco Chanel. As the series prepares to premiere on Valentine’s Day, Mendelsohn’s infectious enthusiasm has left audiences eager to immerse themselves in the charming world of fashion and history.
Mendelsohn credits the show’s creator, Todd A. Kessler, with striking a perfect balance between entertainment and education, crafting a charming narrative that would engage audiences and transport them to a bygone era. Rather than creating a documentary or a historically accurate account, Kessler aimed to weave a narrative that would transcend its historical context, appealing to viewers who may not be familiar with the fashion world or World War II.
Ben Mendelsohn (Via Ben Mendelsohn/Twitter)
As Mendelsohn gravitates deeper into the role, he becomes more impassioned about Dior’s story, revealing parallels between his own life and the designer’s. According to Mendelsohn, playing Dior has allowed him to gain a newfound appreciation for the fashion world and its luminaries, including Chanel. He likened his experience playing Dior to discovering a hidden treasure, stating, “He’s the role, the character, the person… that I love more than any other over 40 years of doing this.”
As anticipation builds for the series’ premiere, rumors of a potential second season have begun to circulate. Mendelsohn expressed his hope to continue exploring Dior’s life, citing the designer’s complexity and depth as reasons to revisit his story. With Mendelsohn’s exceptional performance and the series’ charming blend of history and entertainment, audiences are in for a treat as The New Look premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14. Mendelsohn’s unwavering obsession with Dior’s tale has left audiences charmd, eager to unravel the intricate threads of the designer’s life and legacy.
