Once upon a time, people were born royal but today royalty comes from what you do.
We are a generation where the i-Con has become king. Thrones have been replaced with pedestals and to be at the top of your game is greeted with the same respect, and occasional bow, as any King or Queen. Follow i-D’s ROYAL RULES to building your own kingdom and remember he who acts most kingly, is King.
1. AN ENGLISHMAN’S HOME IS HIS CASTLE
A true King needs a kingdom, somewhere to call their own. Daniele + Iango create an epic empire where East meets West and models battle sumo wrestlers for world domination.
2. BUILD THE BRAND (#BUILDINGTHEBRAND)
A monarch needs an identity that’s easily recognisable. Karl Lagerfeld has cultivated brand Karl perfectly (remember one word names are key), marrying talent with this much style demands R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
3. TRAVEL EXPANDS THE MIND AND AWAKENS THE SENSES
Educate your subjects in foreign lands. Karl Lagerfeld whisks i-D off to the far-flung shores of Maharajah India (despite having never been) with a majestic Chanel Metiers d’Arts collection, entitled Paris-Bombay.
4. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
You never see HRH The Queen spouting off before she’s put her brain into gear. When it comes to royalty, silence is golden. Frank Ocean offers a master class in sensitivity and the art of activating your brain before your mouth.
5. USE YOUR POWER TO THE GREATER GOOD
It’ll be impossible to enjoy your royal position, if you can’t give a little back. In our exclusive cover story Queen Vivienne Westwood reveals how we can all help change the world around us.
6. ORIGINATE DON’T IMITATE
A true monarch doesn’t think twice about going against the grain and paving the way for the new generation. Follow in the footsteps of China Machado, the legendary model who made waves in the 50s as the first non-Caucasian face to grace the cover of a fashion magazine.
7. LET YOUR HAIR DOWN – EVEN A MONARCH NEEDS A GOOD NIGHT OUT
We’re not suggesting you get papped falling out of Mahiki every weekend, but a good party is food for a royal soul. New York DJ Kim Ann Foxman proves she’s Queen of the dance floor with a body popping mix of disco, house and soul.
8. VIRTUE IS ITS OWN REWARD
A real royal needs compassion. Life isn’t all sweetness and light, so be prepared to cushion the blows. Comme des Garçons’ spring/summer 12 collection saw Rei Kawakubo walk her subjects through life’s major milestones with beauty, sensitivity and compassion.
9. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
When you’re King it’s important to keep your mind wide open. If you set too many rules, no one will ever like you. Violinist Hahn-Bin proves that talent comes in all sorts of guises.
10. BE YOURSELF!
Relax. Don’t be afraid of letting your royal colours shine through. The more you believe in yourself the more others will too. After all, a throne is only bench covered in velvet. So what’s stopping you being King too?
Text: Holly Shackleton
i-Buy: Order The Royalty Issue right here, right now.
