The Canadian TV series, “Heated Rivalry,” which is based on the queer hockey romance novels by Rachel Reid from Nova Scotia, is currently receiving widespread attention. The show’s main characters, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have been actively engaged in various public appearances such as presenting at the Golden Globes, making appearances on late-night shows, and participating in podcasts. Fans across social media platforms and numerous Reddit threads are discussing the fashion choices of the characters Shane and Ilya on the show, despite many popular scenes featuring minimal clothing.
One standout fashion piece from the show that has sparked viral interest is the Team Canada fleece, which has been widely shared on social media feeds. To delve deeper into the fashion moments of “Heated Rivalry,” we spoke with the show’s costume designer, Hanna Puley, based in Toronto, to understand the creative process behind the outfits and their significance in portraying the characters’ complexities.
In a key scene from Episode 4, Ilya greets Shane at his place wearing black drop-crotch pants and matching slides, affectionately termed the “tuna melt pants.” These pants, designed by American designer Rick Owens, reflect Ilya’s sophisticated taste for luxury loungewear. Puley highlighted that the choice of these pants aligns with Ilya’s character traits and adds depth to his persona.
Another striking fashion moment is Sasha’s attire in Episode 2, featuring a black blouse with red roses by Enfants Riches Déprimés. The bold yet subversive design of the blouse symbolizes Sasha’s rebellious nature, challenging societal norms and expectations. Puley emphasized that the sheer element of the blouse conveys a sense of softness within a hypermasculine society, contributing to the character’s complexity.
In the pilot episode, Ilya sports a patchwork denim chore coat paired with Diesel jeans, creating a youthful and subtly stylish look. The combination of denim and chore coat elements reflects Ilya’s persona, offering a contemporary twist to his attire. This ensemble serves as a subtle nod to Canadian fashion sensibilities, enhancing the character’s visual identity.
Rose’s bold leopard-print Miu Miu shirt in Episode 4 exudes confidence and allure, balancing the inherent sexiness of the print with a demure Peter Pan collar. The shirt encapsulates Rose’s character traits, portraying her as confident yet approachable. The choice of leopard print adds a touch of glamour to Rose’s wardrobe, reinforcing her self-assured persona.
In a nightclub scene from Episode 4, Ilya dons a fitted leopard-print piece from Jean Paul Gaultier, symbolizing his emotional vulnerability and desire for attention. The shirt reflects Ilya’s luxurious fashion choices and sets the tone for his character’s narrative arc. Puley highlighted the symbolism behind Ilya’s attire, linking it to his evolving emotional state throughout the episode.
Rose’s silver club dress in Episode 4 captures a sense of confidence and glamour, drawing inspiration from iconic Hollywood looks. Puley crafted the dress using sparkly mesh fabric to achieve a visually striking yet elegant ensemble for Rose. The creation of this dress from scratch allowed for a unique and personalized touch to Rose’s outfit, emphasizing her individuality and style.
For Kip’s friends in Episode 3, Puley experimented with vibrant colors and vintage pieces to differentiate each character’s fashion sense. Elena Rygg’s bold red gown and striped puffer coat by Danish brand Sittingsuits showcase the diverse styles within the group. Puley expressed a desire to further explore the fashion choices of Kip’s world in potential future seasons of the show.
Shane’s iconic white Team Canada jacket has garnered significant attention for its minimalist design featuring red maple leaves and the word “Canada.” Puley aimed to create a piece that felt authentically Canadian and accessible, in contrast to more avant-garde Olympic uniforms. The jacket’s simplicity and patriotic elements resonate with audiences, reflecting a sense of Canadian identity and pride.