Mario Testino

Artist Biography

One of fashion's most sought-after snappers, Mario Testino was born in 1954 in Lima, Peru. He came to London in 1976, took a flat in an abandoned hospital near Trafalgar Square, and began selling portfolios to wannabe models. Today he is best known for his highly polished, exotically bright ad campaigns and his exquisitely styled photograph art, prints and posters of the couture scene, all of which carry a deceptive air of nonchalance.

Now at the top of his profession, Testino has shot Madonna for Versace as well as photographing the late Diana, Princess of Wales for her famous Vanity Fair cover in 1997. His popularity with designers and fashion editors stems as much from his professionalism and good nature as his unerring ability to take beautiful art, prints and posters that sell clothes.

Testino is also credited with bringing to an end the reign of the ubermodel: rather than pay the exorbitant fees demanded by Linda, Naomi et al, in the early Nineties Testino championed a new breed of model, including Kate Moss.

Mario Testino Art, Prints and Posters Collection