Diana Princess of Wales by Mario Testino at Kensington Palace: Princess of Wales - Tapa dura

Inside Princess Diana's last portrait session. Just five months before her tragic death in August 1997, Diana Princess of Wales was photographed by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair. The book brings together the most beautiful images from this last portrait sitting, displaying Diana in a state of relaxation and intimacy unlike any other. The selection of about seventy photographs includes many unseen images which, alongside previously published images, fill in the untold story of the shoot? Also included is an interview with Mario Testino about his recollections of the sitting and as well as a contribution from Hamish Bowles, European editor-at-large of American Vogue. The book is edited by Patrick Kinmonth, long-term collaborator and friend of Testino's. It includes foreword by Meredith Etherington-Smith, who played a mayor role in arranging the sitting in 1997, and a testino interview conducted by Hamish Bowles, and contribution by Hamish Bowles. Chapters are arranged according to the various dresses worn by Diana. It includes an appendix with information detailing the dresses featured in the Work and identifying those on display at Kensington Palace. The book coincides with an exhibition at Kensington Palace, opening in November 2005.

Peruvian-born Mario Testino travels extensively shooting for Vanity Fair, American, British, and French Vogue. Other clients include Burberry, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors. His solo exhibitions have shown in galleries worldwide, and his work is held in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery and V&A Museum in London, and others.