WOW | Mario Testino

“Throughout my life I have been made aware that people have different identities. At school I never dressed like the other kids. For me, it was a kind of experiment. I liked playing with who I was – defying the rules. It’s a sort of rebellion. Youth likes change, and to always stay the same would be boring.

I grew up in a conventional world, yet I’ve come to accept that my life is constantly introducing me to different worlds. It’s exciting; challenging and each twist and turn takes me closer to discovering who I really am.

This book is about people I’ve encountered that have forced me to stop and look. They are all different, but what I saw made me want to celebrate their unique individuality. Each photograph represents a door into a new world I was previously unaware of.
I’d like to thank everyone within these pages for their self-expression. There is no end to the variety of life, and it is that which keeps me taking photographs. Our imaginations have no limits. They can take us literally anywhere. And back again. Let’s keep imagining.”