Kaia Gerber Addresses 'The Shards' Finale Mystery
Kaia Gerber is having a moment. The 24-year-old model and actress is at the center of several entertainment stories this week, from the explosive season finale of FX's The Shards to the launch of her first fashion collection and a scheduled late-night television appearance.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gerber discussed the finale of The Shards, Ryan Murphy's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's 1981-set serial killer novel. The episode, titled "Stairway to Heaven," ended with all main characters—including Gerber's queen-bee character Susan Reynolds—being questioned by police as suspects in the "Trawler" murders. Gerber acknowledged the ambiguity: "We know it's one of us," she said, adding that Susan being the killer is "a possibility." She also praised the show's layered character development, noting that unlike the book, which is told entirely from Bret's point of view, the series allows viewers to know Susan beyond Bret's perception.
Gerber, who previously worked with Murphy on American Horror Story, said she hopes to explore more of Susan'sstory if the show is renewed. Murphy has said he envisions three or four seasons to cover the novel's full narrative.
Fashion Venture and Late-Night Appearance
In addition to her acting work, Gerber is expanding her fashion portfolio. Next week, Re/Done will launch Kaia Vol. 1, a 60-piece collection she co-designed as part of her role as investor, creative partner, and advisory board member. In an interview with Vogue, Gerber said she drew inspiration from "French librarian circa 1969" and Jane Birkin, resulting in bohemian blouses, cropped polos, and pinstriped blazers. The collection reflects her desire to be "more hands-on and creatively involved" after years as a brand ambassador. Gerber also appears in Givenchy's Winter 2026 campaign, photographed by Juergen Teller, wearing a high-cut, plunging black bodysuit with dramatic cutouts—a look that has generated buzz on social media.
Meanwhile, Gerber is set to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 9, alongside Mariska Hargitay. Her guest spot comes amid rumors about the show's future. A Page Six report claimed the current season would be its last, but ABC spokesperson told PEOPLE that the information is "inaccurate" and that any reports about the show's future are "purely speculative." The rumor followed a controversial period in which Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk's death led to a brief suspension of the show. Season 25 premiered on September 8.
Context: A Multifaceted Career
Gerber's week underscores her evolution from a top model to a multifaceted entertainer. Born in 2001 to Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, she began modeling as a teenager and quickly became a runway fixture. In recent years, she has shifted toward acting, with roles in American Horror Story and now The Shards. The horror-mystery series has been a critical and commercial success for FX, and Gerber's performance has drawn praise. Her fashion collaboration with Re/Done, a brand known for repurposing vintage denim, signals her growing influence in the fashion industry beyond modeling.
The timing of her late-night appearance is also notable. With The Shards finale fresh in viewers' minds and her collection about to drop, Gerber is capitalizing on a cultural moment. The Kimmel appearance will allow her to reach a broad audience and discuss both projects. The show itself has been a subject of controversy, but ABC's denial of cancellation rumors suggests it remains a staple of late-night television.
Perspective: The Shards' Future and Gerber's Trajectory
The Shards finale leaves many questions unanswered, and fans are already theorizing about the killer's identity. Gerber's comments suggest that the show will continue to diverge from the book, giving supporting characters more depth. If renewed, the series could become a multi-season franchise, further cementing Murphy's reputation as a hitmaker for FX. For Gerber, the role represents a significant step in her acting career, potentially opening doors to more complex characters.
Her fashion line and Givenchy campaign demonstrate her commercial appeal, while her late-night appearance shows her willingness to engage with mainstream audiences. As she balances modeling, acting, and design, Gerber is positioning herself as a modern Renaissance woman in entertainment. Her ability to navigate both high fashion and Hollywood suggests a long-term career trajectory that extends beyond her famous parents.
In a week dominated by entertainment news—including the Shards finale and other celebrity buzz—Gerber's multifaceted presence stands out. Whether she's discussing killer theories or promoting her collection, she remains a compelling figure in pop culture. As The Shards awaits a renewal decision and her Re/Done collection hits stores, Gerber's star continues to rise.
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