A Review of ‘La Maison’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Lambert Wilson in "La Maison," premiering September 20, 2024 on Apple TV+.

It is definitely safe to say that a vast majority of people in the world, pay the world of fashion, little mind and understandably so. After all, so many people just see fashion as well, something functional, a necessity, so there’s no need to think upon it outside of what will help keep one warm or keep one cool depending upon the season. Not to mention, there are quite a few of us, that just have no interest in it. We just develop our style and our look and just go about our day, and that same reverence is often given to programming about fashion. Since we see no need to explore a world that we feel we have no impact upon and has little impact upon us, and some fashion shows… are a touch hyper stylized.
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But honestly… we shouldn’t always hold to that line of thinking. Because the world of fashion deserves our respect, like any other. Because there are people who are deeply passionate about it and dedicate their lives to it in the same manner that a writer will throw themselves into a career based in words. Not to mention, fashion does have an impact upon us. Because while we may not care about it… we find looks that look good for us and that is something that fashion has influenced, and it is indeed filled with people who are flawed, and wondrous and that is why… a brand-new series on Apple TV+, arriving tomorrow, is of note. Since La Maison offers the audience quite the unique story involving the world of fashion.

One that introduces us to a pair of rival fashion houses in France. There’s Ledu, a centuries old, iconic company, that is always trying to stave off Rovel and their work, and when we meet these two companies they appear to be embroiled in an endless back and forth. But after Rovel manages to upend an important contract for Ledu… both companies’ worlds are shaken to their core. For Vincent Ledu, the head of the company, just so happens to run his mouth in a terrible, frustrated rant over that lost contract. One that harbors awful language and awful thoughts, and that of course… gets out to the masses. Prompting chaos at Ledu and reinvention and change, the kind that will bring forth a desperate attempt to save Ledu, and a fight from its biggest and most hated rival to claim its future.

All of which gives rise, to a vastly different kind of fashion series. One that in part, deeply reflects our modern world. Since time and time again, we’ve seen people do what Vincent does and seen their world come crashing to a halt. Allowing for this show to beg the question, what would happen if the head of one of the biggest companies in the world did such a feat? But of course, it offers so much more than an exploration of cancel culture in our modern world. Because this show does harbor an intimate look at the fashion business, the decisions that go into creating fashion, the passion that people exhibit within it, and how much it means to so many. For people do find wonder in what this world produces, with the same reverence of those who adore art, and it is important to recognize the hope it inspires in so many.

Because it is in fact, only fair, and thankfully this series does just that in a compelling and engaging manner, which is enhanced by some lovely performances as well. Since the entire cast immerse themselves into this world and into their characters, and truly allow for us to believe they are these fictional beings with all of their flaws and all of their wonder. All of which gives rise to a fascinating series, one that is an absolute must-watch. Simply because it is also, a supremely original show, with a plot that is new and refreshing and because… great acting, great direction and great writing, is always a wonderful formula for good television and that is what we get here. And the best news of all, is we don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy this new show, for La Maison arrives on Apple TV+ tomorrow, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. Because you can never go wrong with an original series that explores a world, only a handful of us know something of.

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