Mario Testino, born in 1954 in Lima, Peru, is a world-renowned master of advertising and fashion photography. During his youth, he spent some time living in Brazil. Testino has served not only as the photographer for royal family members but also as the personal photographer for the late Princess Diana. His works have been published in magazines worldwide and exhibited in museums globally.

Career Beginnings:

Testino began his photography career in the UK in 1976. The 2002 portrait exhibition "Mario Testino" at the National Portrait Gallery in London established his status in the fashion industry, marking the beginning of his legendary career as a master photographer.

He has shot annual commercial campaigns for nearly all of the world's most famous and prestigious brands, including Givenchy, Dior, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, and Paul Smith. Additionally, he frequently assists in the creative direction of advertisements for many international brands, helping them establish a clear and cohesive style that makes them the focus of the fashion world.

Early Life:

Mario Testino has Irish, Spanish, and Italian heritage. After completing high school at an American school in Lima, he studied economics at del Pacifico University, law at Catolica University, and international relations at the University of San Diego, California. After exploring multiple fields, he moved to London in 1976 to start his photography career.

Though based in London, Testino works across various countries worldwide. His portrait photography is renowned for its sensual, beautiful, and noble characteristics. He has also discovered several supermodels with great potential, such as Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Stella Tennant, and Jacquetta Wheeler.

Charm of His Work:

Testino's rise to fame is attributed to his portrait photography, which perfectly blends eroticism and modern elegance, embodying a unique charm that is his trademark. Many believe Testino's portraits are flawless, always exuding a sense of sensuality, beauty, and nobility.

Designers and fashion editors highly regard Testino for his professional expertise, unique perspective, and natural, fluid compositions. His advertising campaigns increase brand visibility and drive sales.

More than the lucrative fees from fashion companies, Testino is passionate about discovering potential supermodels like Linda, Naomi, Stella Tennant, and the young Jacquetta Wheeler. His camera revealed their beauty and uniqueness to the world, including his ex-girlfriend Kate Moss and many newly emerging beauties.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations:

In January 2018, The New York Times reported allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, and assault against Testino. Thirteen male assistants and models who worked with him accused him of misconduct during the 1990s. Models Roman Barrett, Jason Fedele, and Ryan Locke complained about his behavior, leading to Condé Nast announcing they would no longer collaborate with him. On March 3, 2018, The New York Times reported further allegations, with four incidents claimed to have occurred in 2010 or later. Testino denied all allegations, but the number of publicly accusing him of sexual misconduct rose to 18.

Philanthropy:

Testino has received various awards and recognition for his contributions to numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations. In 2010, he was awarded the Grand Cross of Merit from Peru and became the chairman of the World Monuments Fund in Peru in 2014.

As an ambassador for Save the Children, he helped raise funds to build the Salvatore Clinic in Pueblo Nuevo, Chincha, Peru. The clinic serves children affected by tuberculosis in areas severely impacted by the devastating earthquake on the Peruvian coast in August 2007. The clinic was entirely funded by the sale of a print of his portrait of Princess Diana, which sold for £100,000 at auction.