Wonderland.

FRED STAUFFER

The videographer for the likes of Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, and Prada talks taking over the fashion world with his visual ingenuity.

Photography by Rafael Moura

Photography by Rafael Moura

Brazilian-hailing videographer Fred Stauffer initially earned his stripes in the fashion business as a jack of all trades at a renowned Parisian agency. However, it was the potential for video content housed on social media platforms like Instagram, in particular, reels, that propelled the world his lens sees to fashion lovers the world over.

He got his first million view-video on the platform with a clip merely featuring him on the edge of a swimming pool – the simple scene parlayed into a visual wonder by his innate deftness for the medium.

Caught by talent scouts and signed up for contracts with the likes of Uniqlo and the Louvre Museum, the rest is history. Miu Miu has since called on him for video content and Prada has utilised his skills on their digital platforms. Limits of Stauffer’s credentials behind the lens seemingly don’t exist, and fashion industry domination is the next imminent stop on his journey.

Head below to read our chat with the maestro below…

Photography by Rafael Moura

Photography by Rafael Moura

Hi Fred, how are you? How are things going for you at the moment?
Hi all, I’m very well thank you. I’ve been working on myself lately and I’ve been feeling super motivated and creative. It’s important to take time for ourselves.

You’re the digital creator behind Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and many more. You are one of the most sought-after videographers in your field. Take us back to the beginning, when did you realise this industry was your calling?
My first big project was with Miu Miu, a little over a year ago. At this time, no other big fashion brand was creating content specifically for digital platforms. That’s when I felt that there was so much to do and I was feeling very excited about it.

How did your collaboration with Uniqlo and the Louvre Museum elevate your career?
This collaboration really elevated my career and I managed to combine my art with some of the most prestigious art pieces in the Louvre. My flexibility and adaptability are some of my strong suits in this business and I think I showed that really well throughout this video series.

You work with the world’s most notable luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton. What have been some of your favourite projects or experiences?
The Louis Vuitton Cruise show in San Diego was definitely a very cool experience. For sure one of my favourite shoots. All of my projects with Miu Miu and Prada are also the most amazing experiences. Their teams are so creative and amazing to work with. I also got to go on a ski trip with Gucci, as a guest. I had so much fun and was able to create some cool content too. Without mentioning my first at the Louvre. The museum was empty and I had two hours to make videos. It’s been a very fun ride.

Photography by Rafael Moura

Photography by Rafael Moura

What is your favourite country to film in and why?
I don’t necessarily have a favourite country to film in. For me, every place has its own story and it inspires me in a different way. Moving around a lot also improves my creativity in general because it allows me to come out of my comfort zone.

Can you tell us why you turned down filming this year’s fashion week show?
I was hired for a big job in LA to promo the new season of the show Grown-Ish. I shot ten videos to present the new cast with my magic touch. This project was at the same time as fashion week, therefore I had to turn that down. However, I’m already preparing for the next one.

You have a sharp eye when it comes to brand positioning through social media and have already accumulated a huge range of skills, but how are you furthering your career by your work with 3D graphics?
I feel like 3D will bring me more opportunities and ways to be creative. I know that once I’ll have more time to master this there won’t be much more limitations to what I can create visually. I like to go crazy sometimes with my videos and 3D can help me with that.

What would you say is your ultimate mission within your work?
My goal with my videos has always been to pique the viewer’s curiosity. By using an element of surprise I want to intrigue viewers and tell my stories through funny video effects.

Do you have a dream collaborator that you’d like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with Kendrick Lamar and promote one of his next albums.

What is coming up next in your career?
I don’t like to think much of what’s coming next because I love the surprise. There is also so much going on that I don’t think much about what the next steps are. I see myself becoming more of a creative director and producing more than just the social content.