Mario Testino's Alta Moda Opens In Dallas

“It’s very different from what I am perhaps most known for,” said Mario Testino last week while taking stock of the images in his Alta Moda exhibition that are currently on display at Dallas Contemporary. The iconic Peruvian photographer, whose fashion-forward work has regularly appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Vogue Paris for some three decades now, was referencing his portraits of Cusco women in traditional dress that were taken in his birthplace.

Exposed to the local craftsmanship and elaborate, hand-embroidered pieces growing up, he had always been intent on sharing this unique culture with his high fashion crowd, making return trips home to take the photographs from 2007-2012. “I kept on telling all the different Vogues that I work for to do stories in Peru just as an excuse to go,” he laughs.

It’s a good thing that he followed his gut. Alta Moda has gone on to make multiple stops in Lima, New York, and now Dallas. “This is my first time ever being here!” he said of the latter. Fortunately the man can corral models wherever he goes. Following the opening, he was bookended by two Texas beauties—Erin Wasson and Chandra North—at a private dinner held at the Joule Hotel’s yet-to-opened boite, Midnight Rambler.

Alta Moda will be on view at the Dallas Contemporary through December 22.