'Alta Moda' by Mario Testino

Queen Sofía Spanish Institute, under the chairmanship of Oscar de la Renta, presents a series of photographic portraits by acclaimed photographer Mario Testino.

The exhibition Alta Moda –literally “high fashion” in Spanish– is a series of photographic portraits of Peruvians wearing traditional and festive attire from the mountainous region of Cusco. It represents a bold departure for Testino from his work for fashion magazines.

To create Alta Moda, Testino made several trips to Cusco city over a five-year period after discovering an archive of costumes from the region. Equally inspired by the history of Peruvian photography, Testino worked closely with Martin Chambi’s grandchildren and used recreated backdrops from the archive of the late Peruvian photographer. While Alta Moda appears to reference the tradition of ethnographic photography, Testino has, in fact, captured several stories within each photograph.

Alta Moda by Mario Testino is accompanied by a series of related public programs that will additionally serve to reinforce the Institute’s mission of promoting greater awareness and understanding of the culture of Spain in the United States through a steadfast dedication to advancing scholarship in the humanities and the arts. 

Gallery Hours: Monday–Thursday, from 10 am to 6 pm; Friday, from 10 am to 8 pm; and  Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm. View ticket information.