FX’s latest teen drama The Shards transports viewers to an elite Los Angeles prep school in 1981, where shoulder pads, neon hair, and opulent wardrobes set the tone for a murder‑mystery backdrop. The series follows a tight‑knit group of seniors as they navigate homecoming court politics while a serial killer known as “The Trawler” stalks their campus.
Gerber lauds the period detail
Model‑actress Kaia Gerber, who plays class president Susan Reynolds, praised the show’s commitment to authenticity during a video interview. She highlighted the work of costume designers Joshua Marsh and Lou Eyrich, noting that the wardrobe draws heavily from vintage pieces to capture the era’s flamboyant style. “The attention to detail is what makes it so incredible,” Gerber said, adding that the series feels like a snapshot of a very specific moment in time.
Music and fashion collide
Mid‑season, the cast stages an elaborate dance‑off to Rick James’s “Super Freak,” underscoring the show’s blend of suspense and pop‑culture homage. Co‑star Hayes Warner, a budding musician playing Debbie Schaffer, also contributed original songs to the soundtrack, working alongside Ryan Murphy’s team and pop star Troye Sivan.
Behind‑the‑scenes camaraderie
Gerber and Warner spent extensive time together in the makeup trailer, often borrowing each other’s 1980s‑inspired jackets and side‑part hairstyles. Both admitted that the “more is more” aesthetic lingered off‑camera, though Gerber emphasized a post‑pandemic desire for simplicity in everyday life.
Character depth and future possibilities
Gerber describes Susan as a type‑A perfectionist, a role she relates to from years in the fashion industry where flawless presentation is prized. She also reflected on the character’s journey toward personal fulfillment beyond external expectations. The series hints at a possible musical episode and a second season, though renewal remains uncertain.
While the show focuses on teenage drama, it also sparks conversation about the pressures of high school life, the allure of retro fashion, and the creative freedom afforded to young actors in today’s streaming landscape.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
