SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT LIFE IS LIKE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMERA IS ACTRESS ANNASOPHIA ROBB, NEXT-GEN HOLLYWOOD’S STARLET AND MULTI-HYPHENATE, WHO SERVED AS PRODUCER ON THE SHORT FILM, JEAN JACKET WHICH PREMIERES AT THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL THIS YEAR. MORE RECENTLY, ROBB HAS ALSO BEEN BREAKING OUT INTO THEATRE, IN THE OFF-BROADWAY SHOW, ALL NIGHTER ABOUT FIVE GIRLS CRAMMING FOR COLLEGE FINALS, FRUSTRATION, AND FEMALE FRIENDSHIP; THAT’S ONCE SHE WRAPPED FILMING ON THE NBC SERIES GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY, IN WHICH SHE PLAYS SUBURBAN GARDENER-TURNED-MURDERER, ALICE.

BUT THEN, VARIETY AND TRANSFORMATION ARE NOT ALTOGETHER NEW FOR THE ACTRESS, BREAKING OUT IN WINN-DIXIE, AND GOING ON TO STAR AS VIOLET BEAUREGARDE IN CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, AND AS A YOUNG CARRIE BRADSHAW IN THE CARRIE DIARIES. ROBB IS POSITIVELY BLOOMING RIGHT NOW, HER CHARACTERS COLOURFUL WITH AUTHENTICITY AND A PULSING ENERGY OWING TO THE INTENSE DEDICATION SHE BRINGS TO EVERY ROLE. WE HOPPED ON ZOOM WITH HER TO DISCUSS EVERYTHING FROM FAKE FLOWERS AND VINTAGE FASHION TO HUMMUS.

Left Beauty Armani Beauty
Right Jacket **Emporio Armani**

I love how your character Alice says, “Once you mix a bunch of different flowers together, we may all look perfect on the surface, but you never really know what’s growing underneath.” Discuss!

For me, when I read the script for this show, I couldn’t wait for the next episode after the pilot, and I was already invested in all of the characters and felt so connected to Alice – her love of flowers and the English language and how she sees the world and felt so much for her dog [who is shot in the series]. The tone of the show is so clear on the page, it’s real and grounded, the stakes are high, and there’s a lot of movement and ability to play within the range but still make the characters believable. So, there’s a lot to chew on as an actor there, and we as a cast just end up having so much fun together.

Left Full look **Marni**
Right Jacket and shorts **Dries Van Noten**

Tell me some behind-the-scenes gossip?

The flowers you see in the show are not real! We go through so many seasons, so when we’re shooting outside and it’s meant to be Summer, it was actually February and it’s freezing cold, so the flowers are all fake, but good ones!

Speaking of flowers blooming, the garden club in this first season has been a bit of a metaphor for Alice’s own personal growth, would you agree?

Yes, and it’s fun to live in her world and lean into the comedic and dramatic tone of the show, playing those two sides, seeing how far they can go, the intensity and the humour, as I’ve not worked in that space so much.

What are you hoping for Alice if there is a second season, perhaps an unravelling or a revealing?

I want that so much! I want her to fall apart! I’ve been thinking about how she, or any of the group, are going to come back from what they’ve done, how can they survive, will she say something that will screw things up, how will she rationalise things to herself, how can she live with herself?! I have so many questions and I think it will be funny, scary and slightly psychotic, which would make her an interesting character to play.

I hope we do get a season 2 as it will be bonkers, as we’re all murderers now, I mean, where do you go from there, you know?!

Left Full look **N°21**
Right Full look **Maison Margiela**

Fingers crossed for the green light! You mentioned your off-Broadway all-women show earlier, All Nighter, in which you play Darcie – how has it been on stage after a long stint filming for screen?

I had done the workshop for this play last Summer, but then started filming Grosse Point, so I knew all the girls and I was familiar with the play as I had read it in 2019. When I got the call to come in for it after wrapping on the TV show, I wanted to jump right in with this amazing group of women and tell this wild story in front of a live audience. I’m having the time of my life. It’s so meaningful to do it in front of a younger audience, as there is an investment and attachment to the story with people relating to so many aspects of it – feeling seen, and that resonance feels extremely alive and joyous to be part of.

Yep, girls everywhere relating to how much you all have a hummus obsession in the play.

Seriously, I was eating it with baby carrots just this morning, ha ha!

So, have you brought any of your own experiences into the role, as it’s about the dynamics that hold the friend group together, and the intricacies and challenges that face young women?

You know, it feels like a real community of women putting this together, and I think the creative journey on this project has been different from other jobs I’ve done. I’ve gone from a rigorous TV schedule, to then diving right into playing Alice and I feel there’s been no time for self-doubt, and I’m learning and refining with each show. I’ve had less anxiety on my performance than other projects, as I’ve not had time to overthink things; it’s just me, up there onstage, with a fantastic ensemble, and I like the dynamic of returning and learning something new each night. It’s a process where I want to soak it all up and find as many different colours within it as possible.

Left Full look **N°21**
Right Jacket, sweater, shirt and shorts **Miu Miu**, shoes **Marni**, socks stylist’s own

When you do something like this play and you create a family and you’re doing it for the love of it, because you truly enjoy it, are you ever hoping to find something deeper or learn different lessons as you go along?

I’m so grateful for this project, it’s freeing, especially in theatre, when there’s a text, it’s about the strength of the story and writing, so to see different versions and interpretations of the same story, the same truths, is so refreshing. It feels open and I can let myself be surprised and have fun with it and respond to the material and the other actors and audience.

Left Jacket **Emporio Armani**
Right Beauty Armani Beauty

You’re no stranger to being part of a cast and crew of mainly women either, having played a younger version of Reese Witherspoon’s character in the series Little Fires Everywhere. When we see women being the architects of a movie or show, and the storytellers at the centre of it, and their vision is being executed, you see women differently on screen, would you agree?

Completely, yes! Little Fires was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt so empowered, held and taken care of. I remember sitting watching Reese, as I shadowed her character, and just hearing her conversations with the producers and writers was so beautiful and so collaborative and trusting. Everyone one was pushing the boulder up the hill together. I’ve worked with so many wonderful guys too, but there is a different dynamic when it’s all women, there’s this different level of playfulness and care and concern, a transferred energy and understanding.

Top, skirt and jewellery **Louis Vuitton**, shoes **Dries Van Noten**

Do you think we've made progress in terms of female representation in Hollywood?

I do think it’s changed somewhat as I’ve had very positive experiences on set, but I’m also grateful I’m growing up in this time due to the qualities of the stories being told, and the agency and representation; even having conversations about intimacy coordinators shows it’s a very different time now in this industry. I feel so happy to be doing what I do, as it feels fresh and I feel I have the power to comfortably speak up for myself, I’ve never felt silenced.

When you’re choosing roles, is it more about the character or the script?

I think it’s both for me, and I like a challenge, something new, even if it’s a smaller role, if it’s something I’ve not done before, or it’s weird, fun or scary, then I’m interested.

You’ve also written and produced a short film yourself, Jean Jacket. Has it been a challenge personally to honour your voice as a producer and prove that your creative opinion is valuable, as people may understand your value as an actor, but you still need to prove yourself as a producer?

It’s been about using a completely different part of my brain, which I like, and I think I’m good at it, because I’ve been in this industry for such a long time. It’s also empowering to make something happen for yourself, not just auditioning and waiting to hear if you get something. It’s great to work with people I like, and it feels like magic, making your own movies, making art, having the idea, collaborating, finding the money and then putting it out there. I’m starting to produce more; I like to tinker, and problem solve as part of a team, but then I love getting on set and acting too, it’s the best of both worlds.

Jacket, skirt and shirt **McQueen,** shoes **Maison Margiela**

And you love fashion too. I read that your previous role in The Carrie Diaries really informed and influenced your personal style; so, I’m curious to know where you’re at now with it?

I like finding clothes I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for, but then I spend money on designer or couture accessories, shoes and bags. My big style inspiration is really people on the street, I live in Brooklyn and love seeing what people are wearing. I love vintage fashion, and my Pinterest board is full of style icons like Grace Kelly.

Erik Damon was the costume designer on the Carrie series, and he’s also working on Grosse Pointe, so it’s come full circle for us! I just love him. I really give credit to him for teaching me about tailoring, and that no matter what shape or size or height you are, it’s all about tailoring and proportions. Making sure a hem is cut at the right place, or to elongate a body, go for a high waist. I mean, anyone can buy a Zara suit, take it to a tailor, and make it look like Armani! Oh no, maybe I shouldn’t say that [laughs], but you know, if you’re going to a wedding and you’re on a budget!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Carlos & Alyse

Fashion by Michael Rosenberg

EIC Michael Marson

Production by Veronica Leone at Leone & Co

Hair by Takuya Yamaguchi at The Wall Group using Oribe

Make-Up by Rommy Najor at Forward Artists using Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Foundation in 3.0, Luminous Silk Concealer in 3.75 , Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer in 7 , Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Blush in 62, Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow in 22M

Photographers’assistant Teague Shoup

Stylist’s assistant Loulou Shafran

IN FULL BLOOM

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