Mario Testino

Mario Testino is a renowned Peruvian fashion and portrait photographer. His creativity and passion for photography propelled him to become one of the most influential and sought-after photographers of his generation.

Biography of Mario Testino

Mario Testino was born in 1954 in Lima, Peru. He studied economics at La Universidad del Pacífico. He continued his educational journey at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru and later expanded his horizons by attending the University of San Diego.

In 1976, Testino moved to London to pursue his passion for photography. He immersed himself in the field by undertaking apprenticeships at the studios of John Vickers and Paul Nugent, where he gained valuable hands-on experience and made his first attempts as a photographer. Financially constrained at the time, he worked as a waiter.

Testino's photography first graced the pages of Vogue magazine in 1983. 

Testino's creative partnership with fashion designer Tom Ford and fashion stylist Carine Roitfeld in the mid-1990s is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for the remarkable revival of Gucci as a prominent fashion house.

In 2013, Testino initiated the 'Towel Series' on his Instagram account, a captivating project that showcased influential individuals, including musicians, actors, and models, wearing towels. This innovative series quickly gained popularity and became a sensation on the social platform, inspiring countless followers to replicate the concept.

Testino's personal art collection has been showcased in two noteworthy exhibitions. The first exhibition, titled "Somos Libres," took place in 2013 at the MATE - Museo Mario Testino in Lima, Peru. Building on the success of the first installation, the second exhibition, "Somos Libres II," was held in 2014 at the esteemed Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli in Turin, Italy.

Misconduct in His Photography Career

In 2018, Mario Testino was accused of sexual harassment and assault. Numerous individuals, including assistants and models who worked with Testino, have come forward with accusations against him. As the gravity of the situation unfolded, the number of public accusers rose to 18. Testino has denied all the allegations.

Mario Testino's artworks

Testino became a globally renowned and highly acclaimed fashion photographer, garnering widespread recognition for his exceptional talent. He has captured diverse subjects, including A-list celebrities, musicians, supermodels, and artists. His captivating imagery has graced the pages of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, V Magazine, Vanity Fair, GQ, LOVE, Allure, and VMan.

Testino's portfolio boasts a collection of iconic portraits, with some of his most notable work featuring members of royal families. One of his most renowned series is his collaboration with Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, capturing her grace and charm. Another significant milestone occurred in July 2015 when Testino was chosen to photograph the British royal family following the christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at the Sandringham Estate.

Drawing from his formative years and cultural experiences, Testino finds inspiration from his childhood in Peru and his teenage summers spent in Brazil during the early 1990s. These nostalgic influences have played a significant role in shaping his unique photographic style and language.

Artistic Achievements and Recognition

As an ambassador for Save the Children, Mario Testino helped to raise funds to build the El Salvador Clinic in the Pueblo Nuevo District, Chincha, Peru. This vital project aims to provide medical care and support for children affected by tuberculosis, particularly in an area severely impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck the Peruvian coast in August 2007. 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arts and his native country, Mario Testino has received prestigious awards in Latin America. In Peru, he was honored with the esteemed Grand Cross rank of the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service on May 25, 2010. Additionally, Testino was presented with the esteemed Tiradentes Medal in Brazil in 2007.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of photography, Mario Testino was honored with an Honorary Fellowship by The Royal Photographic Society in 2011. 

On January 14, 2014, he was bestowed with an honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). This prestigious honor was presented to him by UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey as a testament to his outstanding career achievements and his contributions to charitable endeavors. 

Testino's remarkable body of work has been showcased in prestigious museums across the globe. His exhibitions have graced renowned venues such as the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin, where the show "Undressed" was held in 2017, presenting a collection of his captivating and intimate images. The Shanghai Art Museum also featured his work in the exhibition "Private View" in 2012.