Mario Testino, the world’s most iconic fashion photographer, unveiled as The Macallan Master of Photography – Scotch Whisky News
Mario Testino, the world’s most iconic fashion photographer, unveiled as The Macallan Master of Photography
The Macallan, the ultimate luxury spirit distributed by Maxxium UK, has revealed Mario Testino as its fifth Master of Photography. Launching today (12 November) in the UK, The Macallan brings to life its foundation stones, The Six Pillars, through the eyes of the world’s most prolific portrait and fashion photographer. The Masters of Photography: Mario Testino Edition sees him interpret The Six Pillars through the characterisation of six individual personalities in his distinct, inimitable and luxurious style.
The Masters of Photography: Mario Testino Edition is The Macallan’s most inspired to date, with the whisky bringing together six different casks to showcase the ultimate complexity. Each of these six perfect whiskies is the definitive representation of one of the Six Pillars. They each have their own definitive character, flavour and aroma which when brought together; create the perfect single malt with unparalleled depth, darkness and diversity.
The Master Whisky Maker personally selected these six unique casks from over 200,000 maturing at The Macallan distillery to craft this limited edition expression. He has achieved this through adding layer upon layer of character and flavour, reflecting the approach taken to the photography itself.
Presenting the first ever Masters of Photography design collaboration, each of the 1,000 Mario Testino Editions for sale globally – of which there are four different variations, each featuring one of the four iconic shots taken by Mario – are presented in a beautiful, high gloss, black lacquered presentation box, designed together with Mario Testino. Inspired by the subtle elegance and rich Asian cultural heritage of traditional lacquered boxes, each presentation box is individually numbered and features a secret hidden compartment.
Testino’s ability to transform reality into the more vivid and desirable has resulted in some of the most prolific and recognisable photographs of our time, including the iconic portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales for her Vanity Fair cover story in 1997, and intimate shots of original supermodel Kate Moss spanning several decades.
Renowned for his mastery of composition – the artistic arrangement and placement of visual elements within the picture – and for creating a reflective and intense connection with his sitters, be it celebrities or royalty, Mario Testino has now turned his lens to The Macallan. By bringing together a group of distinct characters, Mario captured the spirit of the ultimate party. Each character was cast on the basis of their visual qualities, each echoing one of The Macallan’s Six Pillars. Shot in Beijing, in a former palace near the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, the photographs showcase the vibrancy and luxury of The Macallan world, infused with subtle eclecticism and cultural allusions.
“Whisky was the choice of drink in my country during the years I was growing up. When I was approached by The Macallan to take part in the Masters of Photography Series I decided to capture the moment when people get together to celebrate, in the atmosphere of a whisky environment – a whisky club!,” comments Mario Testino.
Ken Grier, Director of The Macallan, said: “As one of the world’s truly great whiskies, we seek to collaborate with the best photographers in the world. Not just those who have the technical ability, but something more. The Macallan Masters of Photography is about the personal touch, we work with photographers with whom we have a shared passion to create beautiful collectables. Mario’s emotional engagement coupled with the level of his creative involvement, heralds an evolution of the role of the Master in the Masters of Photography series, one which has brought about an exciting visual celebration of our fundamental Six Pillars. Not only is he a historically important giant in contemporary photography, his elegance, charm and gentlemanly approach to creating this ultimate party has made him both a joy and an inspiration to work with.”
The Macallan Masters of Photography series features exclusive collaborations, conjoining the art of whisky making with the artist’s interpretation of the world of The Macallan. Previous editions were authored by iconic photographers Elliott Erwitt, Annie Leibovitz, Rankin and Albert Watson.
Each edition comprises a different Mario Testino print capturing The Six Pillars, an exclusive photo-archival booklet featuring a total of 20 images, shot by Testino during the process, one bottle of the single malt whisky and six miniatures from each of the selected six casks.
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Mario Testino edition will be available in the UK from specialist whisky retailers, priced at £2215.
http://www.themastersofphotography.com/
NOTES
The Images
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else.
Mario Testino
Born in Lima, Peru, Mario Testino moved to London in 1976 where he made his home and began his career. His vision has made him a much sought-after creative partner in the fashion and beauty industries. His work has been featured in magazines from Vogue to Vanity Fair and he has contributed to the success of many leading fashion and beauty houses through advertising campaigns, from Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, to Chanel and Lancôme.
As a portrait photographer Mario Testino works with the actors and celebrities of the moment, as well as receiving royal commissions from HRH The Prince of Wales, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince Harry, Diana Princess of Wales, and Her Majesty Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan.
The recipient of many awards, Testino has received the Medalha Tiradentes from the state of Rio de Janeiro, in 2010 the Grand Cross Order of Merit, his country’s highest honor and in 2013, the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to photography and charity.
In 2012 Testino established MATE, Asociación Mario Testino in Lima, Peru. MATE is a not-for-profit cultural organisation that promotes and celebrates the arts of Peru and permanently hosts his own work.
Mario Testino has published twelve books, including MaRio de Janeiro Testino, Kate Moss by Mario Testino, Private View and In Your Face.
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Mario Testino edition
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Mario Testino edition is an exquisite whisky, showcasing ultimate complexity. Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, has selected six casks every one representing the best example of spirit exemplifying each of the Six Pillars, and combined them to form the most extraordinary and rare Macallan. He has achieved this through adding layer upon layer of character and flavour, reflecting the approach taken to the photography itself.
Inspired by the chosen setting and approach taken by Testino in casting the characters and capturing them within this dynamic party scene, the Master Whisky Maker selected six casks from over 200,000 casks maturing at The Macallan, each the ultimate representation of one of the Six Pillars. Everyone with its own definitive character, flavour and aroma which when brought together; create an outstanding single malt with unparalleled depth, darkness and diversity.
The six casks, a combination of Spanish and American 100% sherry seasoned oak butt and puncheon casks, result in a truly multi-dimensional flavour experience that once drunk is gone forever.
Six Pillars: six miniatures
Rooted in its Spiritual Home, this single malt is true to itself. Traditional, classy and complex, this whisky at 58.1% ABV embodies The Macallan, like the iconic Easter Elchies House, with sherry driving a distinct character. A strikingly handsome young man visually represents this Pillar with his sophistication and charisma.
Vibrant and copper in colour, this single malt at 56.8% ABV reflects the Curiously Small Stills, a defining feature of The Macallan’s unique character. This eye-catching whisky promising a long, lingering finish. A small Chinese Crested Dog, cradled by a classically, alluring woman conveying a timeless elegance, represents this whisky, which is mysterious and intense.
Refined, yet complex this stylish and individual single malt at 58.2% ABV is inspired by the Finest Cut. Citrus is at the fore, giving a welcome sharpness. Spirit dominates here but within the classical structure determined by the cask. The character selection was simple; a sharply-dressed, striking man reflecting a perfectly tailored look, like the cut of a great suit; adding variety to the scene.
The richness of this single malt at 57.4% ABV celebrates the Exceptional Oak Casks. The character is classic Macallan; spice, dried fruit and sweetness. It is a suave and considered whisky showing maturity at its heart. The character echoes this Pillar; he is distinguished, mature, full of character and experienced.
Vibrancy and flair are at the heart of this single malt at 56.8% ABV, embodying Natural Colour. Yet this is a breathtakingly gorgeous whisky with real poise, beauty and subtlety. A sublime whisky with supermodel charm plays out through the sweet vanilla cream and silk-like texture. This feminine charm led to the casting of our leading lady who stands out in the crowd, but is not dominant. Her beauty, smile and energy make her the perfect party companion.
Bottled at 59.2% ABV, this genuinely effortless whisky embodies the Peerless Spirit. A single malt capturing the very heart of The Macallan; its character, heritage and story. It does not need a detailed narrative; it delivers the perfect balance of spirit and cask. A strong and confident military man is how Testino has interpreted this, the final, of the Six Pillars. He stands for something authentic; he is passionate and committed.
