Fashion’s dramatic flair: ‘La Maison’ brings couture to the screen
A new era for fashion on TV
Fashion, much like the restaurant industry, is a treasure trove of drama and detail, yet it has often been overlooked as a setting for TV shows due to its insular nature. While culinary dramas like “The Bear” have found their niche, fashion has struggled to find its footing. Enter “La Maison,” a French drama that aims to change the narrative by weaving the intricate world of couture into compelling storytelling.
Breaking free from tradition
Unlike previous attempts that focused on iconic figures like Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel, “La Maison” takes creative liberties, allowing for a more dynamic and engaging narrative. Created by José Caltagirone and Valentine Milville, and executive produced by Alex Berger, the show is a refreshing departure from the reverential tone of series like “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” and the lackluster “The New Look.”
The plot thickens
The story revolves around the fictional fashion house Ledu, a revered global brand and one of the last independently owned clothiers in France. The demanding designer, Vincent (played by Lambert Wilson), is a member of the Ledu family, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The Ledu clan’s chief rivals, the Rovels, own a luxury conglomerate, drawing parallels to real-life fashion giants.
A contemporary twist
“La Maison” doesn’t shy away from contemporary issues. Vincent’s racist tirade, reminiscent of John Galliano’s infamous outburst, plunges the house into a PR crisis. Perle Foster (Amira Casar), Vincent’s muse and second-in-command, devises a radical plan to save Ledu by recruiting Paloma Castel (Zita Hanrot), the daughter of Vincent’s long-dead lover. Paloma, along with her partner Ye-Ji (Park Ji-min), runs an eco-conscious Berlin line, making her hire a significant adjustment for everyone involved.
Power plays and family feuds
Parallel to Paloma’s ascension is a plot by Rovel matriarch Diane (Carole Bouquet) to vanquish Ledu. Vincent’s brother Victor (Pierre Deladonchamps) defected long ago, marrying Diane’s daughter after a sibling fallout. Diane, obsessed with cementing her supremacy, hunts for other targets to acquire a majority stake. One such target is Vincent’s insecure nephew Robinson (Antoine Renartz), who dreams of a line bearing his own name.
A fresh perspective
As Americans, it’s intriguing to see retail titans depicted as a country’s elite, a novelty that “La Maison” exploits to its advantage. The show delves into issues like “greenwashing” and the subsuming of standalone designers by international luxury groups, topics rarely explored on TV. Casar’s Perle emerges as a nuanced heroine, a woman who has grown from passive model to active executive without the recognition to match.
Fast-paced and engaging
“La Maison” is densely plotted yet light-hearted, cramming corporate espionage and personal drama into its 10-episode run. Its pace and levity are reminiscent of “Call My Agent!” and “Drops of God,” two other French-language series that have gained traction stateside. In many ways, “La Maison” is making up for lost time, finally bringing a worthwhile fashion-centric show to the screen.
Ready for the runway
The first two episodes of “La Maison” are now available to stream on Apple TV+, with new episodes airing weekly on Fridays. For those eager to dive into the world of high fashion and family drama, this series is a must-watch.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit La Maison.