Unforgettable Frida Kahlo Still Inspires the Fashion World

By Ewelina Lepionko

The magic wardrobe reminded the world of Frida. The opening of the mysterious door after more than 50 years made us believe that Frida Kahlo was an exceptional personality!

Unique, subversive Mexican painter Frida Kahlo become a cult figure. Her image was appropriated by feminists, artists, and fashion designers. 

We are all fascinated by this woman for years. We all recognize her iconic figure, with the unibrow, the braids on top of her head, and the fabulous embroidery in her clothes. She built a persona that, decades later, still inspires fashion designers around the world.

Mysterious, intense, and fascinating. Kahlo rediscovered Mexican heritage in the way she dressed. She was seen as a proud assertion of her national identity. Her intriguing style has endured over the years. 

Frida was very aware of her whole persona. She started wearing her own interpretation of traditional dress: full skirts, embroidered blouses, and regal coiffure. She used to modify her clothing and add things to make them unique and help her express how brave she was. No wonder fashion magazines constantly try to recreate her iconic style. 

'Frida' (2013) by Japanese photographer Ishiuchi Miyako, is a photographic record of artist Frida Kahlo's wardrobe and belongings (Twitter)

People think that Frida used to wear indigenous textiles just to please her husband. But in fact, it was Frida’s family heritage that led her to pay homage to her Mexican roots. 

“Because of its geometry, it was the perfect dress to disguise Kahlo’s imperfections and distinguish her from her famous husband.” Collectors Weekly

She focused on projecting her feminist and socialist beliefs while also masking her debilitating injuries.

"After Frida Kahlo died in 1954, her husband Diego Rivera shut her belongings in a bathroom at their Mexico City home, the Blue House – then demanded it is locked until 15 years after his death. In fact, the room wasn’t opened until 2004." The Guardian 

Collectors Weekly highlight that in real life, as on the canvases of her many self-portraits, Kahlo used fashion to channel her physical and emotional insecurities into statements of strength, heritage, and beauty. 

"These objects, which include clothing – distinctive and colourful indigenous Mexican garments, some flecked with paint and visible signs of wear; jewellery – pre-Columbian necklaces that Frida strung herself; examples of intricately hand-painted medical corsets and orthopaedic devices; love letters and several items of make-up – still in their original packaging" Victoria and Albert Museum

The fashion world has gone mad. The collection made a great impression on everyone. The artist's fans all over the world were amazed at the discovery. Kahlo's wardrobe inspired many to the creation of new fashion collections, books, and photo albums. The world remembered the icon once again.

This collection can be an inspiration for all of us these days. Kahlo, a woman that suffered many injuries was able to transform this pain into art.