Photographer Mario Testino using Sydney as the backdrop for special Vogue fashion shoot

HE’S one of the world’s best fashion photographers and for the first time Mario Testino is coming to Sydney to pay homage to Australia and shoot some of our most beautiful men and women.

Super Mario’s heading Down Under

HE is famed for photographing royalty of all kinds — regal, celebrity and fashion.

Now Mario Testino, one of the world’s best fashion photographers, is coming to Sydney for the first time to pay homage to the nation’s most beautiful men and women.

The man famed for his portraits of beauties such as Diana, Princess of Wales, Beyonce, Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie, will be here to guest edit fashion bible Vogue Australia next month.

And while no names have been confirmed, there is speculation he could turn his lens on faces such as athlete-turned-model Jarrod Scott, leggy brunette Nicole Trunfio, and actors Abbie Lee Kershaw and Joel Edgerton.

Testino, 61, will touch down for an ­extended stay and is expected to shoot our brightest and finest talent in some of Sydney’s landmark locations, showcasing the city in all its glory.

While his 35 years as a photographer has seen Testino gain renown for shooting beautiful women, in this trip he is expected to feature people from all walks of life.

“It will be an incredible homage to Australia and to have Mario shoot a special dedicated issue for Vogue Australia is certainly a career highlight for me,” Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Australia, Edwina McCann, said.

Mario Testino’s German Vogue Claudia Schiffer cover, where she poses in a catwoman mask.

Mario Testino’s Vogue cover of Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevingne and Georgia May Jagger.

The visit has come via a partnership between Vogue and Destination NSW.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Stuart Ayres said luring the photographer to Australia would be hugely beneficial.

“His prolific photography continues to be highly sought after by celebrities, ­designers and royalty and now Mario ­Testino will turn his attention to our great city,” he said.

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with Vogue Australia to bring Mario Testino to Sydney to shoot exclusive content for the fashion title’s April issue.

“Mario Testino’s visit will generate worldwide exposure for Sydney and NSW.”

The results of Testino’s work will appear in Vogue’s April issue.