Inside Miu Miu Women’s Tales With Storm Reid
No one represents Hollywood’s future better than Storm Reid. Just 17, Reid has the kind of filmography performers twice her age would be proud of. When she isn’t stealing scenes on Euphoria or appearing in blockbusters like The Invisible Man, the multi-tasking rising star is running her production company, Seed and Wings, indulging her passion for cooking, and participating in special events like yesterday’s Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales livestream.
The series, which has featured work from Ava Duvernay, Miranda July, and Mati Diop, premiered its latest short, Isabel Sandoval’s Shangri-La. The story of a second-generation Filipino farmhand residing in California during the Great Depression, it explores race, religion, and sensuality through dreamlike imagery. Budding producer Reid, who tuned in at home in Los Angeles, found the film captivating. “Isabel Sandoval did an incredible job with this tale,” she shared via email. “Her film was so inspiring, and to be able to witness her magic was the highlight of my day.”
Through her work as a producer, Reid hopes to spotlight narratives every bit as powerful. “With A Seed & Wings, we’re striving to open doors for ourselves, others and forge a path for people not to be afraid to tell their stories,” says Reid. “It’s not an easy task but producing is so rewarding. Learning, curating meaningful content, working with all different types of people from all walks of life, and giving people opportunities has been surreal.”
Reid’s latest project speaks to the needs of her generation. Her Facebook Watch series, Chop It Up, grew out of conversations with her friends regarding the state of the world. Gen-Z has been witness to some of the most important developments in recent history, including widespread social change, powerful political movements, and a global pandemic. Yet, much of the programming created for their demographic fails to address issues relevant to them. When Reid’s mother, Robyn, overheard her and her pals engaging in an in-depth discussion, she encouraged her daughter to use her platform. “[It] prompted her to ask me if there was a piece of unscripted content out there that genuinely displays how we are feeling,” says Reid. “When I told her no, our show was born, with the help of our creative team and Facebook.”
Part cooking program, part confessional talk-show, the series feels like an intimate dinner party. Reid cooks as she delves into topics like relationships, family life, and what it’s like to be a young person in 2021. All the while, her guests enjoy a good meal and open up on camera during conversations that are refreshingly real. Combining her culinary interests and her love of producing felt natural for Reid. “I believe some of the best conversations happen over a meal,” she says. “I’m happiest when I’m around my friends and family, so having the opportunity to have those things intersect, to have discussions that feed your mind, and food that feeds your soul, there’s no getting better than that.”
More than a hangout session, the show offers its viewers a vérité view on an often misrepresented group. “As the most creative, resourceful, honest, and innovative generation, Gen Z deserves content that showcases a different perspective and macro approach to our expression,” she says. “Learning to explore our creative output, real-life opinions, and fellowship only helps bridge the disconnect between older generations to understand us better, our world, and how this generation will push us all forward.”
As someone who appreciates the need for engaging content, Reid’s been moved by the way Miu Miu supports female filmmakers. “For Miu Miu to promote powerful messages while showcasing fashion within the feminine creative expression, [shows] this brand realizes that creativeness comes in many forms,” says Reid. “No matter what form that is in, women deserve to be a part of that conversation.” Well said.
Below, the star takes Vogue behind-the-scenes of their livestream, getting ready.