Famed photographer Mario Testino has released his largest book to date: Sir, a collection of over 300 photographs taken during the course of his illustrious career. And as one could probably surmise from the title, Sir is an in-depth exploration of the Peruvian’s work with the male gender.
Testino is often attributed with being the master of female glamour – and with good cause. He has shot dozens of the world’s most prolific women, from models to actresses to musicians. He was one of the first photographers to profile fashion icon Kate Moss, and his famed 1997 shoot with Diana, Princess of Wales remains amongst the most revered of modern history.
As the photography legend humbly concedes, “I’m really known for my female pictures instead of my male pictures.” But after 30 years in the industry and collaborations with dozens of the world’s most high-profile men, it’s no surprise Testino has developed a distinct take on the state of the fashionable male:
“The way men are seen in photography, in fashion, and the way that men look at pictures of themselves has changed in recent years,” he says. “It is a subject that has come into focus: the masculine image, a man’s personal style, changing attitudes to the male face and body.”
Sir covers a deep breadth of work and includes profiles of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Colin Firth, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, among others. Photos range from the meticulously-constructed glamour shots the Peruvian is famed for, to candid, personal photos that capture the intimacies of both celebrities and everyday citizens alike.
Perhaps most intriguing is the manner in which Testino pushes the boundaries of how we perceive masculinity: from sex symbol Josh Hartnett drawing himself in women’s makeup to elaborate, fanciful costumes draped across testosterone-fuelled males. Changing attitudes, indeed.
Sir is online for US $700, with 1000 copies available for purchase. Each copy is personally signed by Testino, comes bound with Japanese cloth and sheathed in a metal slipcase. For a fascinating insight into this king of glamour, check out Masters of Photography, Vol. 10, Living Legends, available on Amazon for considerably less than $700.
