China Machado

Date of Birth: December 25, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: December 18, 2016

Biography

China Machado, born Noelie Dasouza Machado, was a pioneering model and fashion editor who broke racial barriers in the fashion industry. Born in Shanghai, China, to a Portuguese father and a Chinese mother, she lived a life that straddled multiple cultures and continents. After fleeing China during World War II, she found herself in Argentina and later in Paris, where her modeling career took off. Discovered by the legendary fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, she became one of the first non-Caucasian models to gain prominence in the Western fashion world. Machado’s unique looks and undeniable presence made her an instant favorite on the runways of Paris, and she soon graced the pages of leading fashion magazines. In 1959, she became the first non-white model to appear in a major American fashion publication, Harper’s Bazaar, breaking significant racial barriers in the fashion industry. She later went on to serve as a senior fashion editor and fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar, further solidifying her influence in the industry. Throughout her career, Machado worked with numerous iconic photographers, including Richard Avedon, who famously called her the most beautiful woman in the world. She continued modeling well into her later years, proving that beauty knows no age limits. China Machado passed away on December 18, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of trailblazing achievements in the world of fashion.

5 Interesting Facts about China Machado

1. China Machado was the first non-Caucasian model to be featured in a major American fashion magazine.

2. She was discovered by fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy in Paris.

3. Machado worked as a senior fashion editor and fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar.

4. She was a muse for the renowned photographer Richard Avedon.

5. Machado continued to model into her 80s, challenging ageist norms in the fashion industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from China Machado

1. “In my time, there were no Asian models. I didn’t even think about it. I would be taken for what I was.”

2. “I never thought about my looks that much. I was always busy doing something.”

3. “I opened the doors for the girls who came after me.”

4. “Fashion has always been about change, and that’s what keeps it interesting.”

5. “I never saw myself as a pioneer. I just saw myself as someone who had a job to do.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

China Machado’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

China Machado had two daughters, Blanche and Emmanuelle. Both daughters have expressed immense pride in their mother’s groundbreaking achievements in the fashion industry.