Rising Star Storm Reid Steps Into The Shoe Design Game
Actress and sneaker aficionado Storm Reid has spent the last year quietly collaborating with athletic brand New Balance on a shoe that reflects her standout style. The 20-year-old Euphoria breakout star unveiled the fruition of that partnership last month with the release of the New Balance x Storm Reid CT302, a unisex sneaker pulling design inspiration from the nostalgic early 2000s fashion trends of her Atlanta hometown.
“The process of creating my first shoe with New Balance was surreal,” Reid told Harper’s Bazaar in an exclusive interview. “I feel so blessed to be a part of the New Balance family and have a shoe out there in the world.”
The mixed-material CT302 combines a suede and mesh upper with branded accents in a style reminiscent of looks popular during Reid’s childhood. It’s a fitting tribute to the southern city that cultivated her fondness for sneakers and served as a launchpad for her bourgeoning acting career.
Jordan Johnson, New Balance’s lead on the Reid collaboration, praised the young star’s innate fashion sense. “She helps lead the charge of individual style, from her streetwear to glam looks,” he said. “With her billowing confidence, Storm is sure to be a style icon for years to come.”
Though only 20, the University of Southern California student has already established herself as one of Young Hollywood’s most exciting talents on the rise. She earned an Emmy nomination last year for her work on the critically-acclaimed HBO drama The Last of Us, adding to a résumé of scene-stealing appearances in A Wrinkle in Time, When They See Us, and as fan-favorite Gia in Euphoria.
Reid has also captivated red carpet audiences with her parade of conversation-starting looks carefully curated with stylist Jason Bolden. The duo favors bold creations from the likes of Prada, Moschino, and LaQuan Smith, grounded by Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo heels. Her affinity for1990s and Y2K-inspired silhouettes and affinity for vintage finds suggests Reid may soon ascend as Gen Z’s most influential tastemaker.
The New Balance collaboration marks another step towards cementing her status as a burgeoning style star. Reid joins musicians Kawhi Leonard and Jack Harlow with signature collections for the Boston-based brand. Her foray into shoe design indicates she has no plans of slowing her rapid ascent anytime soon.
