Who knew that couture could be so cutthroat?
World War II is over and stylish clothes are back as Paris recovers from the horrors of the Nazi occupation.
Richard Coyle (THE FALL), Mamie Gummer (THE GOOD WIFE), and Tom Riley (DA VINCI'S DEMONS) star as a family struggling to build a fashion empire at any cost, on THE COLLECTION, airing in seven gripping and gorgeous episodes on MASTERPIECE on PBS Sundays Oct. 8 – Nov. 19, 2017 at 10 p.m.
The Collection: Preview
"Dressing up has never been so dazzling--or dangerous. See The Collection in 7 episodes
Focusing on the Sabine family, composed of business-savvy Paul (Coyle), his wealthy American wife, Helen (Gummer), and his brilliant but dissipated designer brother, Claude (Riley), THE COLLECTION also stars Frances de la Tour ("Harry Potter") as Paul and Claude’s overbearing mother, Yvette, who will stop at nothing to advance her boys’ careers — often to their dismay.
The series also features Jenna Thiam (THE RETURNED) as Nina, the seamstress with a secret and a future in modelling; Max Deacon (HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS) as Billy, an American photojournalist on a mission to record the vitality of postwar Paris; Alix Poisson ("Last Love") as Charlotte, the ambitious head saleswoman at the Sabine studio; and featuring Michael Kitchen (FOYLE’S WAR) as Paul’s mentor, Frederic Lemaire.
Set in 1947, THE COLLECTION captures a turbulent era in French history, when partisans hunted down Nazi collaborators and anyone with something to hide shunned the past and embraced the future.
Fashion became the perfect expression of this impulse to look ahead. Wartime rationing, drabness, and erotic restraint gave way to alluring displays of color, form, and fabric in women’s clothes — for those who could afford them.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1 airs Sunday, Oct. 8 at 10 p.m. - In post-war Paris, Paul Sabine aims for the top in couture, relying on his troubled brother Claude’s brilliant dress designs. American photographer Billy pursues Nina the mysterious seamstress.
Episode 2 airs Sunday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. - Tormented by demons, Claude goes to dry out in the country, where a terrible secret is unearthed. Paul attempts to bury the past by forcing his mentor to retire. Nina takes control of her life.
Episode 3 airs Sunday, Oct. 22 at 10 p.m. - Paul presents his make-or-break collection of gowns. A rival tries to sabotage Nina’s starring moment. The body found at Paul’s cottage makes more trouble. Billy and Nina make up.
Episode 4 airs Sunday, Oct. 29 at 10 p.m. - Inspector Bompard tightens the noose on the Sabines. Paul concocts false evidence. Nina gets closer to her child’s identity. Claude has a new lover. Someone steals Billy’s photos of Nina’s triumph.
Episode 5 airs Sunday, Nov. 5 at 10 p.m. - On a weekend at his partner’s chateau, Paul expels unwelcome guests. Charlotte makes her move. Nina shames Billy. Claude chastens Caesar. Back in Paris, Victor meets Dominique and tragedy ensues.
Episode 6 airs Sunday, Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. - While Dominique is in recovery, Charlotte courts Claude for her renegade fashion house. Nina tells Claude the truth. Marianne reluctantly reveals the past. The inspector spots a crucial clue.
Episode 7 airs Sunday, Nov. 19 at 10 p.m. - Nina is torn between Claude, Billy, and the baby she gave up for adoption. Charlotte’s new business venture hits the rocks. Amid a glittering celebration of high fashion, Inspector Bompard makes a surprise appearance.
REVIEWS:
The beautifully shot series won accolades during its UK debut in 2016, with The Telegraph (London) calling it “possibly the most glamorous series on TV,” The Guardian (London) finding it “captivating ... glossy and murky at the same time,” and The Huffington Post praising its large cast as “first-rate from top to bottom.”
WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE:
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CREDITS:
A Lookout Point and Artis Pictures production co-produced with Amazon Studios, Federation Entertainment, MFP and MASTERPIECE with the participation of France Télévisions and BBC Worldwide Ltd. It was produced in Wales and France with the support of Welsh Government, Pinewood Studios and the CNC. The creator is Oliver Goldstick. The directors are Dearbhla Walsh and Dan Zeff. The writers are Maya Goldsmith, Oliver Goldstick and Francesca Rollins. The executive producers are Justine Vaughan, Liam Keelan, Mederic Albouy, Pascal Breton, Toma De Matteis, Rebecca Eaton, Ivan Dunleavy and Robert Norris.
