The 79th Cannes Film Festival has seen no shortage of glamour, but Skye Hankey has emerged as one of its most compelling style stories. Working with renowned stylist Law Roach, she has curated two standout red carpet moments that go well beyond the expected -each one revealing something intentional about both the designer and the woman wearing the piece.
### Dolce & Gabbana’s Personal Tribute
For the opening ceremony and premiere of La Vénus Électrique, Hankey selected the opening look from Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda Roma collection, presented at the Foro Romano in Rome last July. The choice carried deep personal significance. Hankey shared with attendees that the gown was inspired by her daughter Rome -a detail that transformed the dress from a statement piece into something far more intimate. The design itself embodied the house’s mastery of architectural tailoring, with clean lines and an undeniable sense of occasion that commanded attention on the Croisette.
Completing the look were jewels by Lorraine Schwartz -pieces that added quiet brilliance without competing with the gown. This restraint, the decision to let the couture remain the central focus, demonstrated a mature understanding of red carpet dressing. The result was a moment that felt both grand and deeply personal.
### Giambattista Valli’s Romantic Vision
The second look brought an entirely different energy. For the premiere of La Vie d’une Femme, Hankey arrived in Giambattista Valli Paris Haute Couture -a white sculptural creation that carried the romantic sensibility the Roman-born, Paris-based designer has become synonymous with. The gown possessed the kind of architectural precision that Valli is known for, with proportions that felt both timeless and entirely contemporary.
Once again styled by Roach, this appearance offered a masterclass in confidence and restraint. The styling allowed the couture to speak entirely for itself. In an era where red carpet moments often feel cluttered or over-accessorised, this choice felt refreshingly direct. The sculptural quality of the Valli piece, paired with minimal jewellery, created an image that will remain iconic long after the festival closes.
### The Art of Curation
What makes these two moments particularly noteworthy is the curation behind them. Rather than chasing trends or following a predetermined festival calendar, Hankey and Roach appear to have made deliberate choices about what each premiere required. The Dolce & Gabbana look brought warmth, heritage, and personal narrative. The Valli creation brought pure, unapologetic grandeur.
This approach -selecting pieces that complement the film, the moment, and the woman -is increasingly rare on the red carpet. It reflects an understanding that true style is not about wearing the most expensive dress or the most talked-about designer, but about making choices that feel authentic and considered. In an industry often dominated by sponsorship deals and brand alliances, Hankey’s measured, thoughtful approach stands out.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be remembered for many things, but Skye Hankey’s two red carpet moments will certainly rank among its most elegant and intentional style statements.