The highest honor that can be given for a cultural achievement in France, the Legion d’Honneur by the French National Order awarded the legendary fashion photographer Mario Testino at the Embassy in Lima, by ambassador Fabrice Mauriès.

Mario Testino has been one  of the most prolific fashion photographers over our time. He’s been the center of over eighteen solo exhibitions, and sixteen books published have celebrated his work. He has collaborated with every major fashion magazine, celebrities and models, and also, produce a brand campaign work that have become part of the fabric not only fashion, but pop culture.

Although, Testino was born in Peru he says that what enabled him to make an impact on French culture was working with Carine Roitfeld.  “Carine pushed me to go into the South American mode I had developed in my nude photography, and suggested I also apply this to my fashion work. At the time, I worked with a French team continuously.”   -Mario Testino