all clothing. Pieces Uniques
shoes. Lanvin
opposite
full look. Acne Studios
Fred Stauffer is THE digital creator to know now. Known as the Wunderkind of luxury fashion, he captures moments in his own captivating style and caught the eye of prestigious fashion brands such as MiuMiu and took the fashion world by storm. With Schön! Stauffer chats about his creative vision, film photography, Paris and more.
Fred, you are known as the wunderkind of luxury fashion, making big and bold moves creating content and producing major campaigns and creative content for luxury fashion houses such as PRADA, Miu Miu, Hermes, Balmain, and Louis Vuitton. Tell us more about yourself and the story behind your creative ambitions. Where did your journey start?
I started by making fun videos on Instagram when Reels launches in 2020. But I was always interested in just creating magic. I’ve always loved magic; during quarantine, I tried magic with videos and tried different techniques to make fashion videos specifically. I was keeping the surprising silly effect but elevating it for luxury. Once I started making those videos on Instagram they blew up and got attention from notable brands who then asked me to promote and create content for them.
Where did you learn your craft of editing videos or did you teach yourself everything you needed to know?
I studied media production in England at Demontfort University, where I learned how to edit videos in a simple manner. What I use now is all self-taught – I was learning as I was going. If I had an idea I would follow through and make it happen through trial and error. Also, YouTube is the best professor!
You were born in Brazil and raised in France. How did your upbringing shape you as a person and your creative vision?
The move to France made me an extremely adaptable person. I was able to quickly adapt to a completely new culture, environment, people, etc. which taught me to be self-sufficient and flexible. My family has also always kept me grounded. It never mattered where in the world I was because I was with my family. That consistency of my family and our routine was always helpful when moving around.
You moved to Paris when you were 25, how does this city in particular inspire you?
Paris is a very small city completely filled with rich culture, diversity, and beautiful sites. It’s impossible to not be inspired by Paris.
What is something you pay attention to the most when photographing and taking videos?
It’s two different things. When I take photos, I’m trying to really capture a moment and look for moments that catch my attention. When I’m filming a video, because of how precise the videos I do are and how detail-specific it all is, I pay most attention to the transitions between each video and all the details that go with it. I have a clear road map for videos, opposed to photos where I like to freestyle and feel the moment.
Is fashion a sphere that you can see yourself in long term or do you find excitement in other spheres too?
I see fashion as a long-term sphere, but why not expand and open doors to entertainment and sports at some point. I truly enjoy storytelling, so anywhere I can make magic meet stories sounds good to me.
What is your favourite project you have worked on so far?
I would say the one I just did, which was Prada SS23. This was my favourite because I challenged myself to step up my game and elevate the content.
full look. Acne Studios
opposite
jacket. Uniqlo
trousers. Gucci
How did your breakthrough feel like? Was it sudden or were you prepared for it?
I never thought I would be in the position that I am now. I’ve been so focused and engaged on my projects that I never really noticed the breakthrough – It just kind of happened. I’m enjoying the ride but I’m staying grounded through all the excitement because I still have to perfect my craft.
Tell us more about your project involving the Louvre Museum and the Mona Lisa.
Even though it was one of my first projects, it’s still one of the coolest I’ve done! Being in the Louvre while it was completely empty for two hours was an incredible and unforgettable experience. It was a partnership between Uniqlo and the Louvre in which they invited me to create one piece of content for them to promote the partnership. All I had to do was focus on the Mona Lisa and the rest of the creative was up to me. It was so cool to have the creative freedom with the content, and literally be free in the Louvre, to make the incredible piece of content with them.
On your Instagram you share photographs of yourself and also ones that you took yourself. Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?
I prefer being behind the camera, but not because I do not like being in front of the camera at times. I like to make videos with myself in them because it is how I started filming in the first place.
You shared captivating film photographs of Paris and San Diego on your Instagram. A very old school way of creating that is deeply nostalgic. Tell us more about your film photography. What do you find most endearing about it?
Ever since I bought my Leica, I have it on me all the time. What I really love about it is that this form of photography slows me down, which makes me pay more attention to what I’m shooting and be more selective in a way, allowing me to see everything around me through a different lens.
You create content on Instagram as well as on TikTok. Where do you feel the most seen and valued?
Instagram because I feel like I can connect to my clients more on that platform.
How would you describe your way of creating in three words?
Unexpected. Sleek. Fast.
Would you call yourself an influencer or a creator? What does being a creator mean to you?
A creator. I feel like it’s an all-encompassing job. When you’re a creator, you film, edit, develop the concepts, etc. which is everything that I do.
How do you deal with self-doubt if it ever occurred to you?
First, I list all the good things I have achieved to remind myself that I am good at what I do. Secondly, if it ever gets to a point where it disturbs my creativity, I try to pick-up something new, like the Saxophone.
Is there any person or brand that you would love to work with?
My dreams have already come true — I’ve been working with the Prada and MiuMiu family and I hope I don’t wake up from the dream!
What advice would you give aspiring creators?
Even when it gets tough, do your job with a smile on your face.
Tell us more about your future plans. What’s next for you?
I’m doing a very cool project filming high-level basketball dunkers that I’m really excited about.
all clothing. Pieces Uniques
shoes. Lanvin
Follow Fred Stauffer on Instagram.
photography, fashion, model + grooming. Fred Stauffer
words. Maja Bebber
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