Storm Reid Says Fashion is ‘Boundless’ and Has ‘Opened Countless Doors’ as She Accepts Style Influencer of the Year at FN Achievement Awards 2023
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Rising Hollywood talent Storm Reid took to the Cipriani South Street stage in NYC on Wednesday night to accept the Style Influencer of the Year award at this year’s FN Achievement Awards.
As a woman of faith, Reid began her remarks expressing “heartfelt gratitude” to God for her journey that has led her to this moment. “Receiving this award is truly a blessing, especially with me being a sneaker head and being very familiar with Footwear News,” Reid said.
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The actress and New Balance ambassador added that as she grew up, her mother instilled the phrase “you wear the clothes, the clothes don’t wear you,” which empowered Reid to “embrace” fashion as a means of self-expression to “fearlessly” take risks.
“As a young black woman in fashion, I recognize the profound impact we have on culture,” Reid acknowledged. “Our artistry radiates locally from our communities, and I am immensely proud to contribute to this narrative.”
Reid added that collaborating with brands like New Balance has been a “dream come true,” and that the sneaker she crafted with the company was more than just footwear, it serves as a “reflection” of her identity.
“Working with New Balance mirrors the blessings that fashion has showered upon my life,” Reid said. “Fashion, to me, is boundless, and so much fun. It has opened doors I never could have imagined from casual days in jeans doing my favorite activities to glamorous red carpets, I cherish the privilege to be able to feel good in what I wear.”
And, since she was being honored for her style, Reid, who was wearing a Marc Jacobs suit and Jimmy Choo heels, gave a massive shout out to her style steam. “They’re not here, but Jason [Bolden] and John [Mumblo], you guys have been instrumental in shaping my fashion journey,” the actress said. “And I’m so grateful for our collaboration.”
“I can’t wait to see where fashion takes me and what creations lie ahead,” Reid continued. “Let’s continue all of us in this room to make waves and break barriers in the world of style. Cheers to fashion and its limitless possibilities.”
This award comes as the 20-year-old star of “Euphoria” and “Missing,” who was nominated for an Emmy for her work on the HBO series “The Last of Us,” continues to create countless noteworthy red-carpet moments, all while serving as a New Balance brand ambassador since October 2021.
In August, the athletic brand and “The Nun II” star took their relationship to the next level with the launch of her first signature shoe: the New Balance x Storm Reid CT302. The unisex sneaker, which featured a mixed-material upper and custom branded details, was inspired by the actress’s hometown of Atlanta and fashion trends that were popular there in the early 2000s.
Reid, who often works with stylist Jason Bolden, is known for her unique fashion sense. She’s often seen gracing red carpets in statement-making looks from designers like Jonathan Simkhai, Prada, Moschino and Acne Studios, with shoes from Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Schutz and Coach.
Though she has been acting for more than a decade, Reid’s breakout moment came in 2018 with her star turn in “A Wrinkle in Time.” She has since become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young talents, while also pursuing a degree in the dramatic arts at the University of Southern California.
For 37 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2023 event is supported by sponsors Authentic Brands Group, Birdies, Caleres, Crocs, FDRA, Nordstrom, Saucony and Vibram.
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