Anna Wintour is still quietly but persuasively campaigning to land the new Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, for the cover of US Vogue. Sources tell us that Wintour has been appealing to famed photographer Mario Testino, a close friend of the British royals, to reach out to the elegant newlywed to shoot her for the fashion bible.
There has been huge competition to land the first big cover shoot with Kate, who married Prince William in April.
A source tells us, “Anna has been speaking to Mario about winning over Kate. She is really pressing him to shoot Kate for the cover.”
Peruvian-born Testino is famed for his iconic photographs of Diana, Princess of Wales, and has remained a close family friend, photographing William, his brother, Prince Harry, and Prince Charles. Testino also took William and Kate’s official engagement photo.
Another source said, “Every magazine has been trying to get Kate, and many assume it will eventually be Vogue. But even with the Mario Testino relationship, it is not clear when this will happen. The Palace must approve it, and they are very protective of Kate.”
The duchess turned down the chance to be a British Vogue cover girl before her wedding. It was reported British editor Alexandra Shulman had hoped she would be photographed by Testino for a wedding edition, but she declined the invitation.
Middleton’s wedding dress, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, was a huge sensation. Her support of British designers and her ability to switch to affordable main street has made her a fashion inspiration, with her outfits selling out online immediately.
“There’s nothing trashy or vulgar about her,” Wintour has been quoted as saying. “She dresses her age and never looks out of place.”
Reps for Vogue and Mario Testino declined to comment. Buckingham Palace reps last night declined to comment.
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