Gianni Paolo - BELLO Mag

Beyond the Script

Gianni Paolo has mastered the art of versatility. From thrillers to comedies, from the screen to the mic with his hit podcast, he moves eﬀortlessly between worlds while keeping authenticity at the core of everything he does. His energy is magnetic, his humor quick, and his sense of style constantly evolving. For Gianni, fashion is not just about clothes, it’s an extension of character, mood, and creativity. Whether it’s a red-carpet risk, a tracksuit moment, or a costume that shifts the way he plays a role, his approach to personal expression is as layered as his career. In this conversation with BELLO, Gianni opens up about risk-taking, inspiration, and why style, for him, is always about the moment.

From acting to podcasting, from action and thriller to comedy, your career has crossed genres and mediums. How has your journey shaped the way you express yourself through fashion?

I think it’s shaped the way I express myself because my entire career I’ve just gone with the fun and what I’ve truly been interested in at that moment. That mirrors my style and fashion because I love so many different styles and brands. At different times in my life I feel more inclined to wear different things depending on where I am and how I’m feeling.

Fashion can be a form of storytelling just like film. If your personal style were a movie, what would be its title?

I think In That Moment would be a good title. Every day or event when I put on an outfit, it could be totally different from the previous day. The way I feel in it could also be completely different from how I felt the day before. To me, when choosing outfits, how I feel in it is always the biggest factor.

When you’re preparing for a role, wardrobe can transform your mindset. Has there ever been a costume or look that completely changed how you played a character?

I would say besides the lines, I really think clothing is the second most important thing when playing a character. Every piece of clothing represents a different part of that character, especially shoes. Ma was fun because my character was sort of a small-town class clown/burnout, and I grew up with so many kids like that. Every outfit choice came from my own high school inspiration. There was a pair of boots I wore throughout most of the film that I loved. They weirdly made me drag my feet a little more, which added so much to Chaz’s demeanor and attitude. I actually loved that.

You’re walking onto a red carpet where the dress code is “no rules.” What’s your go-to power outfit?

I constantly fight with my team about this because I really struggle liking suits, so any “no rules” carpet is my favorite. I LOVE a good tracksuit. There’s a German brand called Peso that makes my favorite tracksuit of all time. I’d probably ask them to make me a custom colorway that’s never been worn.

What’s the boldest fashion risk you’ve taken, and did it land you on the best-dressed list, or in a group chat meme?

I actually wore this red suit for the Season 2 premiere of Power Book II. I kind of got ate up online here and there, but the best part was six months later when we were shooting the billboard for Season 3, EVERYBODY was in some type of red suit or outfit, and it looked amazing. I feel like they went with my inspiration for the entire Season 3 marketing!

If you could raid anyone’s closet in Hollywood for a day (past or present), whose would it be and what’s the first thing you’re putting on?

I just see how many clothes 50 Cent has on tour, he’ll do like six outfit changes in a show, so I know he has so many clothes. I also love Drake’s style. I think it’s the perfect mix of streetwear and high fashion.

You’ve built a loyal audience who connects with both your work and personality. How do you balance authenticity with reinvention when it comes to your image?

I honestly don’t think about it much. I just post and do what feels right and authentic to me. A lot of people are very calculated or scared of what social media can do, but I feel like I’m the opposite. I like saying the thing that’s risqué or funny. I think social media is such a good vehicle for actors and artists to promote their work. I’m also a very curious person, whether it’s food, travel, or fashion, so I love how much inspiration you can get from social media.

If we opened your bag right now, what unexpected item would we find that says something about your style or personality?

You would 100% find a couple bottles of cologne. I’ve actually curated the best three scents of all time and blended them into one, and I’m gatekeeping it. I’m a huge smells person, so that’s literally the first thing I notice on other people. Sometimes I’ll switch it up depending on the outfit or event, but I’m pretty loyal to this concoction because I get so many compliments on it.

Gianni Paolo @giannivpaolo Photography Steve Limones @stevelimonesphotography Styling Ivàn Poshenko @posshenko Grooming Aika Flores @by.aikaflores Special thanx to Cassandra Quarto @cassandraquarto at Align PR @alignpr Location x Production BELLO Media Group x Maison Privée @bellomediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la

Cover look: Jacket: @Tell The Truth Pants: @Madison Jewelinski Shades: @Vada Shoes: @Gucci | Right: Denim Look: @Timi Burton Necklace: @Natashia.Studio Shoes: @Balenciaga