A wet-haired and Wayfarers-clad Kate Moss lounges next to inflatable pool toys in this series by super-photographer Mario Testino. Today’s arresting images are included in the Peruvian lensman’s upcoming solo show at L.A.’s Prism gallery—Testino’s first U.S. exhibition in seven years—alongside personal snaps and iconic vistas of Lima and Rio de Janeiro. Labeled as the man who turns models into supermodels, his compositions famously play with rich color and glowing light. “Mario takes great inspiration from the LA way of life and the freedom and relaxed nature that seems to be more common here than other destinations, such as New York and London,” says Prism director Jennifer Cox. A reflection of his skill and dexterity as a portraitist over the course of his 30-year career, the 28 large-scale photographs also act as an interesting accompaniment to tonight’s fame-fuelled Hollywood institution, the 85th Academy Awards. “They’re an insight into the way he views the world,” adds Cox. “Images captured without restraint.”
Mario Testino is on view at Prism Los Angeles from February 26 through March 30.