Growing up in Peru, Carla Testino developed an appreciation for art and aesthetics, nurtured by her  close relationship with her mother and her brother, fashion photographer Mario Testino.  After several years working at the US Embassy and the World Bank, she followed her longstanding passion for the arts and founded her first fine jewelry atelier in 2006.

Through close collaboration with Peruvian artisans, Carla blended different materials and ancient knitting techniques with her contemporary design. These collaborations led to her pieces reaching clients in Europe and the United States.

In 2015, she founded Sideral, a handbag brand for women who appreciate the skill and cultural heritage behind traditional craftsmanship. The brand grew through collaborations with Indigenous communities, including the Shipibo-Conibo of the Peruvian Amazon and artisans from the Andean region.

Over the following years, Carla reaffirmed her aesthetic vision, which can be described as a mixture of organic and architectural elements.  This journey led to the creation of her namesake brand, Carla Testino Peruvian Handmade, bringing together her passion for design, Peruvian cultural heritage and craftsmanship.