Earlier this year, surrounded by much local buzz, we announced the exciting news that famed fashion photographer Mario Testino’s “Alta Moda” would be making a stop in Dallas. Fresh intel now reveals that the 27-photograph exhibition will be on display from September 21 - December 22, 2014 at the Dallas Contemporary.  

  Mario Testino (pictured above) is legendary, and his work resonates deeply within multiple industries. For the last three decades, the sought-after photographer has accomplished incomparable milestones. From capturing unforgettable images of the late Princess Diana for Vanity Fair, to exclusively photographing multiple royal weddings and countless editorials for Vogue, Mario Testino is a household name in the realms of fashion, media, and photography.  

  Testino’s “Alta Moda” exhibition is both personal and intimate. A native Peruvian himself, the photographs on display (examples herein) are the compilation of five years of travel in Peru. They document the vibrancy and character of the country through traditional and festive dress. Testino, while proudly noting that this exhibition strays from his usual high fashion works, explained to Paris Vogue, “It’s a tribute to traditional Peruvian costumes, to their embroideries, their colors, the fabrics that are still worn in the Andes. I wanted to pay tribute to the richness of traditional clothing, to which the Peruvians are very attached.”  

  The choice of Dallas among the dates for this exhibition holds significance beyond the surface. Completing a trifecta including 2011’s Jean Paul Gaultier retrospective exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art and the lauded 2013 Chanel Métiers d’Art show at Fair Park, Mario Testino’s “Alta Moda” continues a trend showcasing Dallas as a fashion force at the global level. It will arrive in Dallas among much anticipation, and even higher expectations. We’ll continue to keep tabs on the possibility of a personal appearance by Mario Testino to fête the opening of this exhibition. In the meantime, visit DallasContemporary.org or call (214) 821-2522 for location details and daily hours.   All images via MarioTestino.com.