Haley Bennett: Star on the Horizon

Haley Bennett is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actresses. A shutterbug’s star, she emerges a stunner in Dior’s Cruise’17 collection. We delve into her multiple facets, even though, she likes to ‘keep it simple’.

What does the house of Dior mean to you?

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When I think of the House of Dior, I think of elegance, timelessness, and an allure that is impossible to describe. It’s just Dior. No description needed.

You were invited to the show at the Blenheim Palace. What do you think about the Cruise 2017 collection?

The ambience of the Cruise 2017 show made my heart beat a little quicker. It made my skin flush. The Blenheim palace is epic and is as lush and romantic as its beautiful gardens. It’s history echoed from all the intricate walls. That was reflective of the collection.

According to you, what does this collection say about the spirit of Dior?

There is a free spirited vibe to Cruise 2017. I feel the collection is luxurious and easy to wear. It gives a nod to the past but remains modern and fresh.

How does it feel to wear this new collection for this series of pictures?

It was a treat to be the first woman to wear the collection from the runways for the Dior magazine cover shoot. Out of a dream. And again for a shoot in New York.

Do you relate to the asthetics of this collection?

I really identify with the chameleon. As an actor I get to experience these sort of transformations. While I recognise myself, it’s a character. She is a woman that is mysterious and a little edgy.

Which look did you like the most? Why?

I liked the freedom in this collection. The dresses are fluid and sing in the wind. They have movement. And sparkling details that grow like vines on the colourful fabric.

What is your vision of the Dior woman?

The Dior woman is powerful and magnetic who knows who she is and she wears it well.

The shooting took place in NYC, where you live. What is so special about this city?

I live in New York. This place has exposed me to a world I had no understanding of coming from a small town in Ohio. There is no greater place to find yourself than here. It’s like going to the theatre just walking outside, among all the different characters. Anything is possible. You can be a homebody or you can go on a multitude of adventures. When I go away, I cannot wait to return. It’s like no other home that I have ever known.

Could you share an anecdote about this shooting? What did you like the most?

I love the transformational aspect of these fashion shoots. I go into them myself and I leave feeling changed.

Do you remember your first shooting? How was that experience?

I wasn’t always comfortable in front of the camera. I have always felt kind of like an ugly duckling. I don’t identify with an attractive woman that someone would enjoy taking pictures of and putting them in magazines.

How do you feel in front of a camera now?

Finding comfort didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken years to grow accustomed to. It still can be difficult. Getting dressed up and all eyes are on you and how you make the clothes look. I think being behind the camera while making films has helped me in these circumstances. I move more freely and make jokes and try not to put so much pressure on myself and my appearance.

What does the word ‘Fashion’ mean to you?

Fashion can be a key to a different persona, particularly in films. Ultimately, fashion to me is a form of expression. It’s an art form you wear.

What is your vision of the French woman? How is she different from the American woman?

French women strike me as charming and effortless. I sense that French women are really enjoying life. American women can share these qualities but maybe it isn’t as common or to the same extent. I like to adopt the French way of life. Living fully immersed in the moment. Not thinking of yourself or your clothes. Wearing them and not letting them wear you.

Are you more high heels or flat shoes?

I have always been drawn to a stilettos. I love the way they arch a woman’s foot. It’s sexy...but sometimes painful, so I tend to wear flats more frequently than heels. The New York life style of walking everywhere forces you to lean towards comfort.

What’s your beauty secret?

I love wearing jewellery. It makes you sparkle. Rogue for lips and cheeks, the colour of blood.

What fashion item do you carry with you while travelling?

I carry a hat box when I travel. I don’t like to take a lot of sun.

Do you remember your worst fashion fail?

I’ve been very experimental with clothes, and hair and makeup styles. I’ve had pink hair and blue hair. It’s good to be this way early on, then you know what works and what doesn’t. But I always make mistakes. Try to find the beauty in them, or at least comedy.

You started as a singer and now play successfully in many movies with great actors. Tell us more about it.

Well, I actually never started out as a singer but I sang in a handful of films. I guess that is confusing. In the past, I was offered opportunities to make music, but I never felt comfortable with just that. I sang in a church growing up. And a travelling girls choir in school. While I love Broadway. Some of my favourite films have a musical aspect.

As an artist, where do you picture yourself in five years?

In five years, I expect to still be going along on this very path. I will hopefully see more of the world and will be collaborating with people that inspire me. I’d like to do things that are unexpected. That scare me. That stretch me. Or maybe I will make new discoveries and veer off in a different direction. I don’t know. Some things are meant to be unknown.

How do you choose your roles?

I never know what’s going to inspire me until it’s right there all lit up demanding my attention. I guess that is when I know. When I can’t eat, sleep, or think because it’s becomes more important than anything else.

Tell us about The Girl On The Train. What was the atmosphere on set?

It could be relaxed one day. And very intense another. Depending on the scenes we were shooting. Megan is all over the map. Mostly we had fun and I was very lucky to have folks around who made me laugh. Somehow, laugher was the key to my sanity.

You are also playing a role in The Magnificent Seven, which is a very different film, how do you prepare yourself before each film set?

I like to enjoy quiet time on the set. Music comes in handy. Or a good book. I actually read Girl On The Train on the set of ‘Mag 7’. Before I knew the book was being adapted.

You also play in the next Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply. Tell us more about it.

The movie, Rules Don’t Apply is a throwback film. It’s about how things were done in Old Hollywood. It centres a somewhat comical and accidental love triangle between an aspiring actress, Howard Hughes and one of his young assistants. It’s a rare gem. I loved working on this film. Warren Beatty is one of the greats. A fine storyteller.

How was it to play with Michael Fassbender and Christian Bale in Terrence Malick’s upcoming film?

Surreal.

What is your favourite kind of film?

Its impossible to encapsulate my favourite kind of films.

What is your best memory about cinema?

Anything from Frank Capra... When films went from colour to black and white. I’ve always kinda enjoyed going backwards.

Which icons of cinema do you find inspiring?

Barbara Stanwick. Claudette Colbert. Katherine Hepburn. Anna Karenina. Jean Arthur.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up soon?

I am waiting for that feeling. I won’t settle for anything less, I know that. There are many roles out there and the danger is getting thrown into any ol’ one.

What is your strength to make a success of your projects?

Work with people that you love, and if you don’t love them, find a way to.

How do you spend your time off after a long work day?

After a long day spent on set, I like to set the mood for relaxation. I will maybe treat myself to bubbles, relaxing music and take out.

What is the thing that makes you want to move forward everyday?

Well, I’m not sure. I start my day with gratitude and go from there. There is a lot to be grateful for.

What is your motto?

Keep it simple.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Empathetic. Unfiltered. Curious.

Photographs by Gregory Harris for Christian Dior Couture. Styling by Elin Svahn for Christian Dior Couture. Printed silk dress, DIOR. “Runway Line” black belt with noisette fonce leather cord, DIOR. Beige wool coat with a black knit dress, DIOR. “Wild in Dior” bracelet composed of bangles in metal with gold finish, black leather and turtle shell resi, DIOR. “Runway Line” black belt with noisette fonce leather cord, DIOR. Low boots in black crinkled lambskin and asymmetric straps, with vertical layered platform and heel covered in gold leather, golden outside, DIOR. Ecru wool coat, DIOR. “Mitzah” Zoology in silk twill, DIOR. Black cotton jacquard knit top with white cotton skirt, DIOR. “Wild in Dior” bracelet composed of bangles in metal with gold finish, white and black lacquer, DIOR.

From the November 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.