Patrick Shih is wearing a Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT in stainless steel with integrated bracelet
If morning puffiness caused by water retention is the bane of our existence, then perhaps up and coming Taiwanese actor Patrick Shih (施柏宇) has the remedy for it — coffee. Before dispelling it as unqualified advice, his profession as a model-turned-actor should quell any lingering scepticism — maintaining the best image possible of himself is paramount in his line of work. Being in front of the camera feels natural for Shih, his gaze and poses guided by the different lighting intensities (he had a hand in picking the outfits as well when the team was conceptualising the shoot) and is apparent in the images seen in the spread here.
With four television dramas currently under Shih’s belt, we do not fault you for not knowing who this Taiwanese heartthrob is but here is a polite reminder that his stock is very much ascending thanks to his breakout project Someday or One Day (想見你) and the reception of his latest drama First Love Again (循环初恋). Shih plays the lead character Ye You-ning (叶佑宁) as he discovers the secrets of time travel and gets to relive different moments in his past. While Shih confessed that he stumbled into acting by chance and has no formal training prior, he views every moment spent on set and encounter with a crew member as an opportunity to improve. Only time will tell how polished this gem of an actor Shih will turn out but for now, we hope you afford us some time to enjoy our chat with our November ’21 cover star.
Patrick Shih is wearing Bottega Veneta Wool coat, wool knit sweater, wool pants, Stride rubber ankle boots
You were a model prior to becoming an actor, what was the motivation behind the switch in your career?
It’s a coincidence that I stumbled upon a performance play. I decided to go on the path of an actor on that fateful day after I experienced the charm of acting.
How did your family and friends react when you decided to become an actor?
My parents are generally supportive of my pursuits, including acting, as long as it makes me happy. My friends aren’t really bothered about my profession — we grew up together and get along regardless of our jobs.
Patrick Shih is wearing Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT in stainless steel with integrated bracelet; Bottega Veneta Wool rib sweater
What were some challenges you faced during your transition from model to actor?
I didn’t have an acting background or training to begin with, which meant I had to learn a lot of things from scratch. Therefore I’m very grateful to be able to meet many veterans that allowed me to learn and grow while on the fly.
Can you recall your emotions when you turned up on set for your first major production at gamer’s generation?
I had not attended any acting classes before so that was my very first production and I was clueless about acting. It was my maiden attempt and it definitely felt like I was starting as a beginner, so I’m very thankful to the director and production team for guiding me along the way.
Patrick Shih is wearing Ermenegildo Zegna XXX Wool felt blouson jacket
How has your life changed since you became an actor, especially with the huge success of Someday or One Day?
I would say that my life hasn’t changed much, I still lead it as normal. I’m very grateful for this show and my fellow cast members Greg Hsu and Ko Chia-Yen for giving me such a memorable experience. I believe Someday or One Day was a very important turning point in our careers.
With your rising popularity, do you fear being recognised by fans in your private life?
I am all for comfort so I will not purposefully disguise myself. It doesn’t really bother me if I’m recognised, and if it happens then so be it.
Patrick Shih is wearing a Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT in stainless steel with integrated bracelet; Ermenegildo Zegna XXX Wool cashmere jacquard coat, wool cashmere jacquard jacket, wool cashmere pants, wool felt loafer shoes
Your latest project First Love again has been out for a while now, what was one of the most memorable moments when working on it?
We were filming in the Northeastern region of China where the environment and weather conditions were very cold. It was my first time working in such conditions. Nevertheless, it presented itself as an experience and a challenge for me to overcome.
Which of your fellow cast members left the greatest impression on you?
Everyone is equally important, whether they’re on or off-screen. I managed to learn something from them.
Patrick Shih is wearing a Bottega Veneta Wool coat, wool knit sweater, wool pants, Stride rubber ankle boots
Do you see similarities between yourself and Ye You-ning, the character you portrayed?
I feel that humans have multi-faceted characters and Ye You-ning is but one of the facets in me.
If you could relive a moment in your past again, what would that be?
I would like to relive my life as a student again because it was a carefree period where I only had to focus on my studies.
Patrick Shih is wearing a Bottega Veneta Wool rib sweater, wool cavalry pants, Point Lock leather belt, Stride rubber ankle boots
Which character you have portrayed so far is the most relatable to you and which is the most challenging?
Mo Jun-jie from Someday or One Day is the most relatable to me but I feel every new character that I play is of a different challenge to me.
How do you prepare yourself for a new role?
Firstly imagination plays an important role, then I’d see if I can become one with the character and finally try to understand and experience what the character is going through in the show.
Patrick Shih is wearing a Givenchy Wool coat, mohair coat, cotton hooded sweater, wool pants, leather cap, Marshmallow rubber shoes
Are there any actors that you admire or look up to? If you could pick any actor to work with, who would it be?
There’s definitely something worth learning and admiring from all the other actors. If I had the chance to pick an actor to work with, it would probably be Leonardo DiCaprio or someone of similar stature and pedigree. To even work alongside and learn from them is considered a great honour for me.
How would you describe your own fashion style and what are some pieces of clothing you can’t live without?
My style is guided by comfort, as long as it’s comfortable for me — I am a firm believer of being yourself. At this point in time as I am transitioning from a boy to a man, watches appeal most to me.
Patrick Shih is wearing Bell & Ross BR 05 GMT in stainless steel with integrated bracelet; Givenchy Wool coat, mohair coat, cotton hooded sweater, wool pants, leather cap
Are you a coffee or tea person? Are there any other beverages you enjoy?
I need to have a cup of coffee every morning to not only perk myself up and also reduce puffiness caused by water retention. As with all other beverage options, I feel water is better because it’s good for the body.
Are you very adventurous when it comes to food?
I am not a fussy eater in general. As long as it is food, whether it’s something I like or haven’t tried before, I’m willing to give it a try and experiment with which is good for my body.
Patrick Shih is wearing an Ermenegildo Zegna XXX Wool felt blouson jacket, wool sweater, wool felt pants, wool felt loafer shoes
You are known to enjoy doing sports. What are the types of sport you like?
I like ball sports in general. During my time in university, I enjoyed skateboarding as well.
What is your biggest pet peeve in general?
It’s that feeling when I have a strong craving for a particular food that needs to be satisfied but I can’t due to unforeseen circumstances such as full reservations.
What movie or television series are you currently watching?
I’m watching this American television series called Maid. I think the female lead is very impressive.
Photography Chiang Ming Shi
Art Direction Izwan Abdullah
Styling Manfred Lu
On-Set Styling Scarlett Yeh
Grooming Purple Star Hair Ethan Yao | Flux Collection
Production Jeannie Ang
Click here to access the digital version of our November 2021 issue with Patrick Shih 施柏宇 !
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