Hayley Hasselhoff Reflects on Honoring Late Mom Pamela Bach’s ‘Joy’ at Cannes in a Meaningful Way
Hayley Hasselhoff is paying tribute to her mother’s fashion influence on a dazzling platform: the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
Hayley, 32, shared her thoughts exclusively with Us Weekly about honoring her late mother, Pamela Bach, who tragically passed away by suicide at 61 in March, at the premiere of The History Of Sound in southern France on Wednesday, May 21.
For this special event, the model partnered with designer Christophe Guillarmé to create a custom gown inspired by Pamela’s stunning cherry-red outfit from the 1996 Golden Globes, crafted by Studio by Jimmy Gamba.
When Pamela wore the elegantly fitted gown, she accessorized it with a feather boa, diamond earrings, and a crystal-embellished clutch. At Cannes, Hayley channeled her mother’s essence, sporting diamond statement earrings and opting for a custom tulle shawl instead of the feather boa.
Both women showcased their best looks with glowing makeup and voluminous curls.
The moment Hayley received her invitation to the prestigious French film festival, she recognized it as the ideal chance to express her emotions.
“This is my first major public appearance since her passing, and there was no more significant way to return than by honoring a moment of hers that I’ve always cherished,” Hayley told Us exclusively.
Hayley, a curve model since her teenage years, launched her own initiative, CHECKINWITHYOU, in 2020 to foster conversations about mental health.
Below, Hayley provides Us with insights into the touching experience and what it meant to capture her mother’s spirit on the red carpet.
Did you know you wanted to channel your mom when you were invited to Cannes?
As soon as I received the Cannes invitation this year, I realized I had to honor her. This was my first major public appearance since her passing, and there was no greater way to make my return than by celebrating a moment of hers that I’ve always admired.
How did you choose your mom’s 1996 Golden Globe look?
Red is such a vibrant and symbolic color — representing love, strength, and the enduring spirit. It felt like the right choice. Not only did my mom look stunning in that gown, but the joy on her face is what has always resonated with me.
She was around my age when she wore it, making the choice feel even more significant. It felt like I was sharing that moment with her — two women, two different times, united through a single gown.
How did your custom dress come to life?
My dear friend, designer Christophe Guillarmé, created a beautiful homage to the original with a silk red ruched gown, replacing my mom’s iconic boa with a delicate custom tulle shawl.
The look was complemented by oversized diamond earrings from Gil Neuhaus and a Swarovski clutch I already owned — both reflecting the accessories my mother wore on that unforgettable night. The most personal touch was wearing one of mom’s exquisite sapphire rings, allowing me to feel her presence beside me on the carpet that night and always.
How long did the dress design take?
The entire process was surprisingly quick, taking just under a month. Upon my arrival in Cannes on May 21, we immediately dove into a fitting, where it felt as though my mother was silently guiding every detail to ensure the evening was flawless.
What did you learn from your mother about red-carpet style?
The boldness of my mother’s style was what I admired most. While some subscribe to the philosophy of “less is more,” she exemplified that “more is more.”
Which of your mom’s looks is your favorite?
I particularly adore her ’90s outfits — the leopard prints and monochromatic silk sets that radiated “effortlessly cool.” As a teenager, I often borrowed pieces from her wardrobe to capture just a hint of her natural style.
What is it like to ‘dress up’ for a living as a model?
One of the greatest gifts has been collaborating with creatives who are just as passionate about redefining beauty — enabling curvy women to feel seen, valued, and heard through fashion, indicating that their bodies are worthy, right here and now.
How did Mental Health Awareness Month influence your Cannes tribute?
With 970 million individuals battling mental health issues, it’s crucial to break the stigma and start conversations. No experience is too small to make someone else feel less alone in their struggles. Your mental health does not define you; with support and the openness to speak, you can live authentically and embrace that it’s okay to not always be okay.
You can face challenges and still find success. Addressing the stigma has always been crucial for me, and especially now. I’m thrilled to announce I’m currently collaborating with the mental health nonprofit Project Healthy Minds to support families who have faced unexpected loss.
What makes this particular red-carpet look of your mom’s so significant to you?
Every one of her looks carries deep meaning, but this one especially resonates with me — it captures the love and joy radiating from her. While a gown can uplift and instill a sense of beauty, it’s truly my mother’s vibrant spirit seen in this image that shines through.
What inspired you to launch your own initiative, CHECKINWITHYOU?
CHECKINWITHYOU was founded on the principle of acknowledging your inner circle — understanding the importance of checking in with yourself first. By supporting one another, we can create a more compassionate foundation for open dialogues about mental health.
CHECKINWITHYOU came to life by inviting industry friends to engage in self-reflection on their mental well-being. Launched in 2020, CHECKINWITHYOU started as a collective to illustrate that you can struggle and still achieve success. Over 60 industry friends participated by sharing their insights and experiences. Today, the initiative continues its mission to promote self-reflection and support among others.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
