France, Fashion, and Much More: Introducing Apple TV+’s La Maison

Hot on the heels of “Emily in Paris” and “Succession,” the new French drama series “La Maison” has been making waves since its premiere on September 20, 2024. Described as “irresistibly moreish” by columnist Rebecca Nicholson, the show explores the challenges of a fashion house called Ledu. While its first episode was criticized for feeling “too buttoned up,” the entrance of key players, especially the formidable Diane Rovel (Carole Bouquet), has injected the series with much-needed tension.

As the show explores who will succeed the disgraced Vincent Ledu (Lambert Wilson) and who will restore Ledu’s once-glorious fashion house, it promises viewers an addictive blend of glamor and intrigue. Below, we are going to take a closer look at what to expect from “La Maison.”

What is “La Maison” about?

At its heart, “La Maison” explores the intricate dynamics of a powerful fashion dynasty, pulling inspiration from real-life events. The series opens with a scandal reminiscent of John Galliano’s infamous fall from Dior in 2011. Vincent Ledu, the creative mastermind behind the legendary Ledu fashion house, finds himself at the center of a social media firestorm after a racist outburst is caught on camera.

Vincent’s character serves as a composite of several real-life designers whose controversial actions and genius have shaped fashion history. His signature black glasses are a nod to Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic look, reinforcing the idea that Ledu is a man deeply embedded in the old guard of controlled and perfect fashion. Whether represented by a premium pair like Ray-Ban’s RB7066-54 or a more affordable version like Glasses Direct’s Grayson model, the timeless glasses themselves symbolize Vincent’s grasp on an image of power and control, even as it starts to slip away.

Opposing Vincent is Diane Rovel, the CEO of rival house Rovel. Much like real-life fashion moguls who have swallowed up family-run brands to create massive empires — think of LVMH’s Bernard Arnault — Diane is relentless in her goal to acquire Ledu’s tarnished empire. When she first appears in the series, Diane sports a striking red blazer. This is a deliberate and powerful fashion choice that calls back to a long history of blazers, which found their origins in the rowing jackets worn by the Lady Margaret Boat Club in 1889. With Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic suit having empowered women to adopt traditionally masculine silhouettes since 1967, Diane’s consistent wear of blazers in the first two episodes is a clear nod to her authority.

In addition to these central figures, “La Maison” introduces Paloma Castel, a rising star in the world of sustainable fashion, and her partner, Ye-Ji. Paloma’s brand Doppel challenges the outdated practices of traditional fashion houses, an approach inspired by real-world designers like Marine Serre and Collina Strada. This helps to highlight the generational and ideological clashes at the heart of the show, emphasizing how the show is not just a drama but a reflection of the industry’s evolution and its impact on society at large.

Is La Maison going to last?

Apple TV+ has garnered a reputation for delivering high-quality original content, having previously produced acclaimed shows like the recent masterpiece Unidentified Objects (2022). Much like “Unidentified Objects’” Winona and Peter, the characters in “La Maison” are layered with complexity. Sarah Hay, star of “Unidentified Objects,” noted in an interview that dynamic character balance is key to strong storytelling, and “La Maison” offers just that. Diane’s icy determination contrasts sharply with Vincent’s fragile ego, creating a power struggle that’s as personal as it is professional.

However, what sets “La Maison” apart from other fashion dramas is its realism. The show nails several key elements of the fashion world, from the controversial practice of destroying unsold inventory to the use of deadstock fabrics in runway shows. This promises not just gripping drama in future episodes but also a behind-the-scenes look at the cutthroat world of high fashion that will keep audiences on their toes.

The remaining episodes of “La Maison” will continue to air weekly on Fridays, so join the thousands of fashion enthusiasts and drama lovers on Apple TV+ today. How will the characters evolve? Is Vincent Ledu’s empire going to be restored, or will it be devoured by Diane Rovel’s corporate machinations? Check back with us at Starry Constellation Magazine for more film and TV commentary.