Haley Bennett is a firm believer in consistently defying fashion norms.

      Actress Haley Bennett is well-acquainted with portraying intricate female characters. She has played a pregnant spouse drawn to eating hazardous items (Swallow), a revenge-driven widow (The Magnificent Seven), and a married woman entangled in a missing persons investigation (The Girl on the Train). However, her latest role as CIA agent Sidney Scofield in the new Apple TV+ series The Last Frontier presents perhaps the highest stakes yet. This gripping drama, created by Jon Bokenkamp of The Blacklist, launches with a dramatic plane crash in the desolate Alaskan wilderness, freeing numerous dangerous inmates and disrupting the peaceful town of Fairbanks. Following this, a twisting espionage narrative unfolds as U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke) collaborates with Scofield to capture the violent criminals. Viewers should be wary: things are not quite what they seem.

      At the NYC premiere of the show earlier this week, Bennett opted for powerful simplicity instead of traditional glamour. She wore an all-black outfit from Fforme, featuring a sleek tank top and a maxi skirt cinched with a horsehair belt, her hair styled in a sleek bun that showcased sculptural diamond earrings. Bennett's look was refreshing, as she defies fashion norms; removing excess for a refined elegance felt like an act of rebellion. In the company of books and her closest friends, Bennett fully embraced being her authentic self for the evening. The following day, we spoke with the actress to discuss her chic choices, including how she and her makeup artist Alice Lane achieved her radiant, sun-kissed look. Continue reading for our exclusive interview.

      What drew you to The Last Frontier and the role of Sidney Scofield? The scripts for The Last Frontier were highly engaging and complex. It was a challenging endeavor to keep things grounded. You need to be fully committed. There are numerous cliff-hangers. Sidney battles her personal demons, both literally and metaphorically. She may appear shrewd and arrogant; she is very flawed, clever, and strategic—always thinking a step ahead. The CIA agent is full of contradictions and secrets, each carrying significant weight throughout the season. Sidney must make impossible decisions to safeguard something profoundly meaningful to her, even when those decisions lead to dire consequences. Amidst all the chaos and action, she is on her own journey as an avenging angel grappling with guilt, shame, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth at any cost.

      What should viewers expect from the series? Nothing is as it appears. There's action, mystery, and a surprising depth of emotion and heart. The cast did an exceptional job making everything believable and relatable. The characters develop with each episode, becoming increasingly complex, unexpected, and human.

      You just celebrated the show's premiere in NYC. Tell us about your look and what inspired it. Simplicity was key—feminine yet strong. For years, I concealed myself behind clothes, characters, and fantasy. I’m now in a phase of wanting to strip that away, finding ways to express my truest self while challenging societal norms and embracing my power. It’s not about prettiness; being true to oneself in this world feels rebellious, which I appreciate. The horsehair belt subtly referenced The Last Frontier, serving as a connection to the world we created.

      Do you have any guiding principles for red carpet fashion? Always break the rules.

      Share your getting-ready rituals with us. What’s the atmosphere like? We began with a glass facial and full-body microdermabrasion, which was a delightful treat. I felt rejuvenated. We prepped in a library filled with books, creating a calm atmosphere with music and imagination. My cousin Taylor and friend Taylor were by my side, and their presence meant everything. After nearly two years spent filming, this premiere felt like a moment of pause, a breath before returning home. I’m uncertain about the future, but that unpredictability feels exhilarating.

      Your earrings were striking. What’s their story? They were selected by Rose Forde, who always finds pieces with a twist, similar to the black feather headpiece I wore for Widow Clicquot at the Toronto International Film Festival. These earrings embodied the same spirit—unexpected, sculptural, and somewhat defiant, much like Sidney.

      What was your vision for your hair and makeup? My aim was for a simple and honest look. I often do my own makeup on set since no one knows my face better than I do. Ironically, I travel with plenty of makeup, yet I use very little. There’s an art to appearing makeup-free. Alice Lane, whom I’ve worked with for years, is an exceptional artist. She enhances my face with subtlety, never overloading it. Our skin isn't a single color, and I prefer not to look like I'm wearing a mask. Less is more for me. I have delicate features and value authenticity over extravagance. There’s a time for drama and a time for simply being oneself and