Front Row Backstage

In Front Row/Backstage , Mario Testino's relaxed photos capture the fantasy of the high-fashion world. They take readers to recent fashion shows and are organized in an almost play-by-play manner. In the book's introduction, Vogue editor Anna Wintour reminds readers how Testino's signature style is clearly visible in his portraits of the late Princess "Although we had seen a million pictures of Diana, we had never seen her looking so relaxed, accessible and modern as when Mario photographed her." This accessible feeling is one that Testino projects onto all of his subjects. Here Testino shows the backstage preparation for the top designers' runway shows, the photographers preparing, the audience being seated, the models dressing, and the show itself. He has captured some of the most groundbreaking collections and innovative presentations, such as Alexander McQueen's flooded runway and his winter collection, during which snow poured down onto all of the models. Other noted shows include Yohji Yamamoto, Givenchy, Chloe, Christian Dior, and John Galliano. The moments Testino captures are they seem to hold so much beauty and effortless style that they feel current. Only a peek at the date of a show reveals that some images are from many collections ago. The action and movement of the shots give a whole new life to past and present visions of our fashion gurus and icons. --Amra Brooks