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Reese Witherspoon | Source: Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon Stuns in White Mini Dress While Promoting Women’s Initiative at Cannes Lions

Naomi Wanjala
Jun 24, 2025
06:20 A.M.

Reese Witherspoon lit up Cannes in white as she revealed a bold new venture aimed at Gen Z women.

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Reese Witherspoon took center stage at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on Wednesday. During the event, she unveiled a bold new chapter in her media career.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

The Oscar-winning actress and media entrepreneur introduced Sunnie, a Gen Z-focused offshoot of her Hello Sunshine brand. It aims to spotlight the creativity and resilience of young women.

The Hollywood star was dressed to the nines. She rocked a tailored white mini dress with puffed sleeves and a scoop neckline, showcasing her striking figure on stage.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

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She complemented the outfit with white stiletto heels and statement buckle detailing. At 49, the actress emphasized empowerment over aesthetics. She framed Sunnie as a platform designed to challenge prevailing narratives about young women in media.

Sunnie, described by Witherspoon as a "celebration" of young women's creativity and agency, represents a new chapter in her ongoing mission to highlight underrepresented voices through media.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Speaking to attendees, the actress emphasized the importance of authenticity and optimism among Gen Z women.

"It's been a dream of mine to build a space where young women can be the truest version of themselves," Witherspoon said. She added that young women are not "defined by doom and gloom as they're often portrayed — they're often portrayed in media – they're complex, creative individuals with incredible agency."

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Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Backed by her media company Hello Sunshine, the initiative aims to serve as a dynamic, multi-platform ecosystem. Its offerings will include social media content, digital zines, book clubs, educational curricula, and live events.

The company will also work with Gen Z influencers such as YouTube star Lana Condor, actress Raegan Revord, and Canadian diver Molly Carlson.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

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Strategic partnerships were also formed with notable organizations like AnitaB.org, the Child Mind Institute, Purdue University, and more. These institutions will serve as the brand's official academic partner.

The Sunnie initiative will span digital and physical spaces. This includes social content, zines, book clubs, educational materials, and live events. According to Maureen Polo, head of direct-to-consumer at Hello Sunshine, the project reflects a deeper listening to its audience.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon attends the 'Joy Is Rebellion: Hello Sunshine and Gen Z Rewrite the Narrative' session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity on June 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

"Young women – despite the many pressures they face – are intentionally creating space for joy," she said, citing data that shows a disconnect between how Gen Z women are portrayed and how they see themselves.

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Founded by Witherspoon and Sarah Harden in 2016, Hello Sunshine has built a reputation for producing female-led stories. Credits include "Big Little Lies" and "The Morning Show." The company was acquired by Candle Media in 2021.

Reese Witherspoon's latest endeavor signals her continued influence not only in entertainment but in shaping cultural narratives. Now, she's putting the next generation of storytellers front and center.

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