**Kaia Gerber Reflects on Family Support and New Role in FX Series ‘The Shards’**
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At a recent launch event for SPECS, an innovative line of augmented reality glasses, model and actress Kaia Gerber opened up about her family’s reactions to her performance in the much-anticipated FX series ‘The Shards’. The 25-year-old stars in the psychological thriller, which is an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ bestselling novel, set in 1980s Los Angeles, where a group of teenagers faces the terror of a serial killer known as the Trawler.


Speaking to PEOPLE at the event on 16th September in Beverly Hills, Gerber candidly described the experience of watching the series with her parents, iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber. “Watching it with my parents was sometimes awesome and at other times a little bit traumatizing for both them and me,” she stated, though she added that their support throughout the process has been “wonderful and beautiful”.
Gerber touched on the nostalgia that the show evokes, particularly for her father, who recalls his teenage years during that era. “My dad was a senior in 1981 and remembers that time very well. They both love the music, the outfits, and the hairstyles from that period,” she explained. The family dynamic seems strong, with her brother, Presley Gerber, also engaging with the show. “It’s very sweet that my brother has been watching and sending me photos of him doing so,” she shared.
The SPECS launch showcased not only Gerber’s talents but also her commitment to merging traditional and digital mediums. Alongside other notable figures such as musician Jack Harlow and artist Imogen Heap, she has been designated as one of the “Visionaries” behind the launch. Gerber’s specific lens for SPECS is entwined with her book club, Library Science, aiming to enhance how readers engage with physical books through advanced digital tools.
When speaking about her collaboration with Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel, Kaia expressed excitement about bridging the gap between the analog world and the emerging technologies that SPECS represents. “If anyone knows me or knows Library Science, they know we’re all about analog, even though it exists primarily online as a book club. I was curious when I initially spoke to Evan about how we could make that connection,” she remarked.
The innovative aspect of her SPECS lens embodies a combination of her passion for literature and a desire to embrace new technological advances. According to her, the collaboration has felt like a harmonious and “perfect match”, allowing her to explore the interplay between the physical and digital realms.
As viewers prepare to tune into ‘The Shards’, Gerber’s reflections on her family’s support and her creative endeavors reveal a deeper honesty about navigating both her public and private lives. The psychological intensity of the series, coupled with her family’s ties to the 1980s cultural backdrop, creates a rich tapestry of narrative that aims to captivate audiences.
With the series set to navigate complex themes of youth, trauma, and the darker side of adolescence, it stands to position Gerber in a different light in the acting arena. As she balances her career as both a model and a burgeoning actress, her family’s backing remains a compelling source of motivation and comfort.
As the anticipation builds for the premiere of ‘The Shards’, it is clear that Gerber’s journey is supported by more than just familial ties — it embodies a connection to cultural history, personal authenticity, and a creative vision that looks to redefine her narrative in the entertainment industry.
