In i-D’s The Royalty Issue, photography tour de force Daniele + Iango met their match with model China Machado…
In the 1950s, China Machado made fashion history as the world’s first non-Caucasian model. She went on to model for the great couture houses of Paris, before relocating to New York and working exclusively as Richard Avedon’s muse. China recently returned to modelling aged 82, confirming her reputation as true fashion royalty.
Describe yourself… Foodie, flamboyant, funny, friendly and fearless. If you were queen for the day what would you do? If I was in India, I would ride an elephant all over the city. When do you feel at your most majestic? On a throne flanked by two tigers. A monarch advises their subjects. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Live life to the fullest and laugh as much as possible. What would you spend your royal treasure on? Building the country. If i-D were visiting your kingdom, how would you entertain us? I would show you the country and each town would have a feast to welcome you and treat you as honorary guests as is our custom.
Pick up a copy of our Spring 2012, The Royalty Issue to see plenty more.
Text Holly Shackleton
Photography Daniele + Iango
Styling Patti Wilson
