INDIANAPOLIS — When having a discussion on high-end fashion brands, you can't not include Dior and Chanel.
"The New Look" reveals how Christian Dior (Emmy winner Ben Mendelsohn) helped preserve the fashion industry during World War II and establish his own fashion house — while Coco Chanel (Oscar winner Juliette Binoche) was already an well-known name.
"Todd (Kessler), who made 'Bloodline,' told me, 'We're making a picture. Want to join? I read this Christian Dior biography.' He said two lines, and I said, 'When are we doing it?'" said Mendelsohn ("Animal Kingdom," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story").
Binoche ("The English Patient," "Chocolat") took on the challenge of portraying Chanel, who was a businesswoman at a time when women weren't even allowed to have their own bank accounts.
"There was a need in her, as being a woman at that period of time in the end of the 19th century. If you're born poor, you die poor," Binoche said. "She proved the contrary because her energy was about not letting herself be buried alive."
Malkovich ("Death of a Salesman," "Being John Malkovich") stars as fashion designer Lucien Lelong, who helped launch Dior's career.
"He was the person who did the most to keep the French fashion industry open during the occupation of France," Malkovich said. "He also made evening gowns and clothes for Nazi officers' wives and mistresses and Nazi officials, so someone in a very complicated situation at a very complicated time."
Another major storyline in "The New Look" is the extraordinary relationship between Dior and his sister, Catherine, played by Maisie Williams ("Game of Thrones").
"Her story is one of kind of hope and bravery," Williams said of her character. "She was a resistant fighter and was captured to a working camp in Germany in the 1940s for eight months and survived. She came back and went on to become a key inspiration for Dior and his designs."
Williams, who made her acting debut at 12 years old as Arya Stark, has dazzled on countless red carpets with her unique take on fashion, so it's only fitting she was cast in a show like this.
"I think there was so many actresses that would've got this audition through and thought, 'I have to be in this,' but I really felt like I have to be in this show," Williams said. "I'm such a big fan of Dior's work and very familiar with the 'New Look.'"
And there's also a major guest appearance in the final three episodes: eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close ("Fatal Attraction," "The Wife"), who plays journalist Carmel Snow. It was a welcomed reunion for "Dangerous Liaisons" co-stars Close and Malkovich.
"Always great to work with Glenn," Malkovich said. "Superb actress, great to be around, lots of fun and just a great colleague."
"The New Look" debuts on Apple TV+ with three episodes Feb. 14, followed by one episode each Wednesday through April 3.