Hélène Cardona – The New Look

By starrymag | March 27, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the series “The New Look.”

 

A) I was very lucky to work on the new original Apple TV+ series, “The New Look,” which just came out. “The New Look” is a historical drama about the rivalry of fashion icons Christian Dior and Coco Chanel during World War II, during the German invasion of France, until shortly afterwards.

 

 

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

 

A) I voice a Seamstress working in the haute couture atelier. Haute couture is the French name for custom-made high fashion design.

 

 

Q) Was there something about the show or the role that drew you to be a part of it?

 

A) It’s a fascinating story and I learned quite a bit about the two fashion houses, as well as who Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) really was, in terms of the role she played during World War II and the extent of her involvement with the Nazis. I always enjoy watching Juliette Binoche. She’s a fascinating actress, and I’m so grateful that this series allowed me to reunite with her.

 

 

Q) With SO many big names attached to this project were you looking forward to sharing a scene with someone(s) in particular?

 

A) I worked in the recording studio last year, during post production, so I was never on set with the cast. I watched the scenes on screen while I was recording, and that’s where I enjoyed the extraordinary cast. But I was able to catch up with Juliette when I saw her in January in Los Angeles, which was delightful.

 

 

Q) The series is focused on fashion. Did you do a little research on the origins of any of the iconic designers?

 

A) Yes, “The New Look” being a period piece, I did some research on the history and the designers. Coco Chanel went from being the fashion queen of the world to being dethroned by Christian Dior during that time. “The New Look” delves into the controversial aspects of Chanel’s life as well as the rise of Dior.

When Christian Dior launched his first collection in 1947, he introduced it as the ‘New Look.” It was in stark contrast with the austerity of the war and it revolutionized fashion.

In a cover story for TIME in 1957, he said: “We were leaving a period of war, of uniforms, of soldier-women with shoulders like boxers. I turned them into flowers, with soft shoulders, blooming bosoms, waists slim as vine stems, and skirts opening up like blossoms.”

I didn’t know that Christian Dior’s younger sister Catherine, who was a resistance fighter, was imprisoned in three Nazi work camps across Germany, including Ravensbrück, which is mentioned in the series. She survived the war. He never gave up on her.

On the other hand, Chanel was playing both sides. But I heard how hard it was for all to survive in occupied Paris. When I was filming Chocolat with Juliette Binoche and Leslie Caron, Leslie told me some terrible stories about the war and how the French survived it.

 

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film or maybe ones you are most proud of?

 

A) The acting is superb and the whole series is such a treat. I loved all the scenes in the couture atelier, with their display of extraordinary craftmanship. And I was deeply moved by the scenes between Christian (Ben Mendelsohn) and Catherine Dior (Maisie Williams), and the heartbreaking scenes at Ravensbrück with the atrocities depicted, a harsh reminder of this terrible moment in history and what humans are capable of.

 

 

Q) “The New Look” is out now. What kind of response have you been receiving from viewers?

 

A) “The New Look” is a fascinating story, beautifully made, with masterful performances, and flawless production design and costume design. It’s so compelling to watch. Everyone I know has been tremendously enjoying it.

 

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) I just wrapped filming the role of Detective Jones, one of the leads in the crime thriller The Dead Woman, written and directed by the fabulous Dianna Ippolito. I’m absolutely delighted for this opportunity as it’s the first time I’m playing a detective. The whole experience was sheer fun. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Dianna and my co-stars Susan Lavelle and Mark Anthony Cox, as well as the whole cast and crew.

I was very fortunate to work on the miniseries “All the Light We Cannot See,” based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. It takes place in the final days of WWII and follows the paths of a blind French girl and a German soldier as they both try to survive.

Another project is the original screenplay Primate, that my partner John Fitzgerald and I co-wrote, based on his novel.

And I’m currently recurring as Monique in Season 2 of the Amazon Prime series “Upload.”

I also star as Arlette in Caralique, for which I won four Best Acting Awards, including Best Actress at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema where my fabulous co-star Kali Funston won Best Child Actor. It recently came out on Amazon Prime and Apple TV in the US.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do on our screens?

 

A) I am so grateful to all who take an interest in my work and follow it. Thank you deeply!