Frida Kahlo's personal wardrobe on display in Mexico City

29 Jan '14

2 min read

For the first time in history, the personal garments and other belongings of the late Mexican painter Frida Kahlo have been put up on display at the Museo Frida Kahlo, located in the late artist’s home La Casa Azul (meaning Blue House) in Mexico City.

Titled as ‘Las apariencias engañan: los vestidos de Frida Kahlo’ (which translates to ‘Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Frida Kahlo’s Wardrobe’), the exhibit aims to explore the painter’s constant struggle with her physical impairments and how she tried to overcome it through her unique clothing choices.

Scheduled to run till September, 2014, the ongoing event gives an insight into the artist’s inner sufferings due to her debilitating body (a Polio affected leg and near fatal accident) and how she used fashion as a medium to transform her insecurities into symbols of strength, heritage and beauty.

Jointly organized by the museum and Vogue México, the exhibit, divided into four rooms, features an array of the artist’s personal favourite Tehuana garments, the traditional female garb of Tehuantepec Isthmus, a matriarchal society where women dominate the culture. A Tehuana ensemble usually includes a short blouse paired with a long skirt and topped with colourful headpieces.

Curated by the Mexico City native and Singapore’s Lasalle College of the Arts fashion program director, Circe Henestrosa, the display also showcases some contemporary designs, created by the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons and the Welsch artist Dai Rees, inspired from the dressing styles of the strong feminist and socialist painter.

The exhibits in this section feature the 2010’s Givenchy couture collection, designed by Riccardo Tisci. Drawing inspiration from the artist’s self portrait Las Apariencias Engañan, the almost white hued collection is made from lace.

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