Mario Testino OBE is one of the most influential fashion and portrait photographers of his generation. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has developed a distinctive visual language defined by vitality, elegance and immediacy, shaping contemporary glamour while maintaining a strong focus on identity and human presence.

Born in Lima in 1954, Testino moved to London in 1976, where he began his photographic career. His Latin American background, particularly his early life in Peru and time spent in Brazil, has remained central to his visual sensibility, combining polish with spontaneity and emotional clarity.

He gained international recognition through work with leading luxury brands and publications, and for portraits that capture both the image and humanity of his subjects. His 1997 portraits of Diana, Princess of Wales, remain among the most iconic of their time and led to further royal commissions.

Alongside fashion and portraiture, Testino has explored global culture and identity through projects such as A Beautiful World (2018). His work has been exhibited in major museums worldwide, and includes a 2026 solo exhibition at Patricia Low Contemporary in Gstaad, Switzerland. He has also published over twenty books.

In 2012, he founded MATE – Museo Mario Testino in Lima, reflecting his commitment to cultural promotion and philanthropy. He has supported numerous charitable organisations and received honours including an OBE (2014) and the Légion d’Honneur (2017).