One of the coolest evenings of my summer was spent in Barranco, Lima at MATE: Asociación Mario Testino—a museum showcasing the infamous photog’s native land through his own hyper-creative, adoring lens.
We browsed the Alta Moda exhibit: room after room of massive mounted photos featuring the celebratory and ceremonial garments of Cusco. The larger-than-life images allowed up-close appreciation of the intricate embroideries and brilliant details.
The final room of the exhibit featured a selection of dresses from Christina Dior Couture Fall 2005, designed by John Galliano. Seeing them up-close—the technique and the fabrication—was an amazing experience.
I’ve only seen Dior gowns up-close once before, at the FIT museum (actually, in 2005). See photos of the dresses on the runway.
Watch the video that was playing in the museum below. It gave me goosebumps!
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Finally, I wanted to share my favorite pieces from the Mario Testino for Mate collection on Net-A-Porter. I love this modern interpretation of bold Peruvian identity. I’d love to see Testino do something like this for different regions of Peru. There’s an endless amount of inspiration to be had! Stop rolling your eyes. You guys know I’m totally sold on this country. ;}
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1. Ruthenium-plated, Swarovski crystal and pompom necklace
2. Qepi printed cotton and silk-blend twill kaftan
3. Liwi printed textured-satin clutch
4. Gold-plated, Swarovski crystal and pompom clip earrings
5. Tinta cotton-blend jersey T-shirt
6. Montera cotton-blend jersey T-shirt
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After browsing the gift shop, we still had some time to lounge under the giant MATE logo in the courtyard.
…and we couldn’t leave without being seduced by the warm interior of Café Mate for a few coca sours on our way out! I’d like more of my museum experiences to end with charming cafes, pisco, and the radiant excitement of having seen Dior gowns up-close.
I guess I can make a few of those things happen.
