Description: Reese Witherspoon stuns in a white mini dress at the Cannes Lions Festival while introducing Sunnie, a new platform focused on empowering Gen Z women. Discover the latest chapter in her media career.
Reese Witherspoon turned heads at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on Wednesday, unveiling a bold new chapter in her media career with the introduction of Sunnie—a dynamic platform designed to empower and celebrate Gen Z women.
The Oscar-winning actress and media entrepreneur, known for her unwavering commitment to advocating for women’s voices, took center stage in a tailored white mini dress with puffed sleeves and a scoop neckline. Her striking look was complemented by white stiletto heels with statement buckle detailing. At 49, Witherspoon exuded elegance while emphasizing empowerment over aesthetics, framing Sunnie as a celebration of young women’s creativity and resilience.
Sunnie, a new offshoot of Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine brand, is set to challenge prevailing narratives about young women in the media. Witherspoon explained that the initiative aims to highlight the complexity, creativity, and agency of Gen Z women—far beyond the “doom and gloom” portrayal that often dominates media coverage.
“It’s been a dream of mine to build a space where young women can be the truest version of themselves,” Witherspoon shared during her presentation. She continued, “They’re not defined by doom and gloom as they’re often portrayed—they’re complex, creative individuals with incredible agency.”
Backed by Hello Sunshine, the multi-platform ecosystem of Sunnie will offer social media content, digital zines, book clubs, educational curricula, and live events. The platform will collaborate with Gen Z influencers like YouTube star Lana Condor, actress Raegan Revord, and Canadian diver Molly Carlson, ensuring a vibrant and authentic connection to its audience.
Strategic partnerships have also been established with organizations such as AnitaB.org, the Child Mind Institute, and Purdue University. These institutions will serve as official academic partners, supporting Sunnie in its mission to foster a space where young women can access resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
Maureen Polo, head of direct-to-consumer at Hello Sunshine, emphasized the significance of listening to the needs of the audience. “Young women – despite the many pressures they face – are intentionally creating space for joy,” Polo said, noting that Sunnie seeks to bridge the gap between how Gen Z women are portrayed and how they see themselves. The initiative aligns with the values of positivity, creativity, and optimism that Witherspoon champions.
Founded by Witherspoon and Sarah Harden in 2016, Hello Sunshine has made a name for itself by producing female-led stories that are both empowering and authentic. From Big Little Lies to The Morning Show, Hello Sunshine’s credits reflect a commitment to giving women a voice in the entertainment industry. In 2021, the company was acquired by Candle Media, further solidifying Witherspoon’s impact on the media landscape.
With Sunnie, Reese Witherspoon is once again putting her influence to work, but this time, she’s shifting the focus to the next generation of storytellers—Gen Z women. By creating a platform that celebrates their creativity, agency, and individuality, Witherspoon is helping to shape the cultural narratives of tomorrow.
