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 (for £25, including hair and make-up) to wannabe models. Today he is best known for his highly polished, exotically bright ad campaigns and his exquisitely styled photographs of the couture scene all of which carry a deceptive air of nonchalance. Now at the top of his profession, Testino has shot from Diana to Emma Watson, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart, Gisele Bündchen, and Lady Gaga. He and stylist Carine Roitfeld are credited with reviving Gucci in the mid-90s with their groundbreaking, provocative ad campaigns. He’s continued to shoot for nearly every magazine, in addition to Burberry, Gucci, Versace, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Estee Launder, Michael Kors, and more. His popularity with designers and fashion editors stems as much from his professionalism and good nature as his unerring ability to take beautiful pictures which sell clothes.
first posted on: Feb 22, 2011 @ 18.37
revisited because: of poor content