SOFT POWER

FOR ROBBIE G.K., THE MOST CRUCIAL PART OF PLAYING KIP ON HEATED RIVALRY WAS SHOWCASING HIS SOFTNESS WITH A SPINE: SINCERITY, KINDNESS, AND THE REASSURED CONFIDENCE OF KNOWING WHO YOU ARE AND REFUSING TO SHRINK IT. THAT EMOTIONAL CENTRE IS EXACTLY WHY THE SERIES DIDN’T JUST SUCCEED – IT EXPLODED. WHAT BEGAN AS A GAY HOCKEY ROMANCE BECAME A FULL-BLOWN WORLDWIDE CULTURAL EVENT, PULLING ROBBIE INTO A WHIRLWIND FEW ACTORS COULD PREDICT, FROM FRONT-ROW SEATS AT PARIS FASHION WEEK TO VIP STANDS AT THE SUPER BOWL – PROOF THAT WELL-TOLD LOVE STORIES CAN SKATE FAR BEYOND THE ICE RINK. IN A MEDIA LANDSCAPE CONSTANTLY OBSESSED WITH SPECTACLE, ROBBIE’S RISE FEELS ROOTED IN SOMETHING STEADIER: A CHARACTER WHO BELIEVES IN HIMSELF, AND A SHOW THAT TAUGHT MILLIONS TO DO THE SAME. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM RIGHT AFTER THE SAINT LAURENT SHOW IN PARIS FOR A DEBRIEF ON HOT LEATHER PANTS, BANANA SMOOTHIES, AND MUSICALS THAT SHAPED HIM.

Full look **Saint Laurent By Anthony Vaccarello**, watch **Omega**, jewellery **Tacori**

You recently attended the Saint Laurent show in Paris! What was your experience like?

A fever dream, truly. I still find it difficult to put into words, but the experience really changed my view on the impact of the show in a global space. I'm extremely grateful to YSL, Anthony, and the whole team for treating me to such a wonderful time.

What was your favourite look from the show? Or a favourite detail?

Personally, all of the trench coats stole the show. The way they fit and framed the models was truly stunning to see in person.

Did anyone you saw there make you gasp? Who was the most glamorous figure you witnessed?

Seeing my name on a seating card five feet from Austin Butler, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and all the other phenomenal actors/performers with whom I was lucky enough to share the couch is what really landed the moment for me.

What does it feel like to wear those sexy Saint Laurent leather pants?

Truthfully, very comfortable haha. Temperature-wise, they weren't hot at all. I loved the way the outfit looked. Shout out to Emmanuel and Annie at SL for pushing me out of my comfort zone with those!

Was this your first time in Paris? What do you find most beautiful about it?

I was in Paris for the first time in July of last year. I loved my time there and was so thrilled to be able to return to enjoy the beautiful architecture, city design, cuisine and culture. I hope to return very soon for more of all of those things.

Tank top **Calvin Klein,** underwear **Dolce&Gabbana,** shoes **Manolo Blahnik,** jewellery **Tacori,** watch **Omega**

Let’s talk about Heated Rivalry, which has taken the world by storm! Which aspects of Kip have you been enjoying the most about getting to showcase on screen?

Sincerity, kindness, understanding, but ultimately strength. The strength of knowing your worth, being proud of yourself and not changing that for anyone.

Growing up, what was a show, film or book that has been as important to you as HR is to its fans?

I constantly watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Anything Shirley Temple, Singin' in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and any other musical/action movie. Seeing performers showcase all their skills on screen, whether singing, dancing, acting, stunts, musical instruments, etc. It was extremely inspiring to me to train and acquire every skill I could.

Lastly, I have to ask: what’s your go-to smoothie order? And who makes the best ones?

Bananas-A-Whey at Booster Juice (Canada).