The Collection

Set in 1947, The Collection is a gripping, stylish drama series produced by Amazon Studios and BBC Worldwide. This post-war period drama provides an enchanting, yet scrutinizing look into the seemingly glamorous world of Paris fashion, unveiling secrets, betrayals, and the constant clash of business and family interests.

During the eight-part series created by Oliver Goldstick, who is also known for his work on Ugly Betty and Pretty Little Liars, we get to know the Sabine family. The family runs a well-recognized fashion house in Paris during the turbulent times following the end of World War II. The mastermind of the house is Paul Sabine, played by Richard Coyle, who is envisioned as a couturier in recovery. Desperately trying to erase the scars of war by adorning women in elegant outfits, Paul is desperate to give the war-torn city a much-needed facelift and return glamour to the French capital.

However, behind the veil of delicate fabrics and enchanting designs lies a viper’s nest of family drama and lurking secrets that threaten to collapse the empire that the Sabines have worked hard to establish. Underneath the rich brocades and feminine silhouettes are sleazy dealings and dubious choices made during the war that the family wishes to bury. It's the delicate dance between this dichotomy of public beauty and private ugliness that makes the series a compelling watch.

The narrative thickens with the role of Paul’s younger brother, Claude (Tom Riley). Claude is the gifted designer behind Paul’s ensembles, who despite his immense talent, is forced to exist in the shadows due to his reckless lifestyle and personal choices. This dynamic of a creative but troubled genius and a businessman riding high on his brother's artistry adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

The dramatic intersection of artistic inspiration, personal relationship dynamics and a power struggle between the brothers is central to the plot of this series. Adding to this captivating mix are Paul’s wife, Helen, his mother, Yvette, and his ambitious American love interest, Billy, who all play significant roles in the unfolding dynamics of the series.

Furthermore, the world of The Collection is not kept to the confines of the Sabine family and their opulent fashion house. The series also presents elements of societal inspection. It admirably attempts to paint the atmosphere of France during this post-war era, focusing on the inspiration behind their designs, the prejudice they face, the class dynamics, and the soul-searching that went on in a society recovering from the devastation of war.

The Collection is laden with immensely rich and aesthetically pleasing scenes. Its costumes are a feast for the eyes, showcasing the grandeur and the rebirth of fashion after the utilitarian styles of the war years. The immense attention paid to each garment's detail texture and color offers an intriguing journey into the time capsule of fashion’s glamorous past.

Despite being a drama full of hidden secrets and unfolding crises, The Collection doesn’t fail to highlight the transformative impact of fashion on society's morale, redefining what beauty and luxury should mean in a city recovering from the impacts of an oppressive occupation.

The Collection is a lavish, intense drama that transports you back into the world of post-war Paris, a city in recovery, where haute couture isn't just about high fashion but serves as an emblem of hope, distraction, and reconstruction. Its engrossing mix of dramatic plot twists, complex characters, brilliant dialogues, and stunning wardrobe design make it an unforgettable series that provides the audience with both style and substance. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, a historical drama lover, or enjoy tales of family intrigue and power struggles, The Collection is a show that should be added to your watchlist.