Since watching the 2002 film depicting the life of Frida Kahlo, by the fabulous Salma Hayek, I have been fascinated by the life and the art of this hugely iconic Mexican artist.
Frida Kahlo is a world known iconic brand. A few months ago, I was searching the web for some Frida fabric and came across this great eye-catching print of Frida’s head on a green background. I made myself a fabulous cushion and with the left over fabric, I made some purses and wallets to sell on my Etsy shop and I can’t believe how popular they have been! I’ve had so many sales for the wallet in particular and seem to be making new ones every weekend. These little wallets have made it across the continent and the Pacific Ocean. As this was so popular, I branched out and made sunglasses cases and a peg bag which proved just as popular. It just shows you that everyone knows Frida’s iconic face.
Indeed this face is now so well know that you can see it on mugs, plates, cups etc. Just one search on Amazon for Frida Kahlo gifts includes, socks, paper cups, bags and waterbottles, amongst others. My personal favourite included the Frida Christmas bauble by Sass & Belle. It’s still in my Amazon basket and I am not a fan of Christmas at all. Saying that, I have purchased a Frida planter and a cup/saucer which currently houses a part of my growing succulents collection.
If you visit my house, which is an eclectic mix of vibrant Mexican colours, vintage finds and generally lots of colourful things that I like to look at, then you will see the Frida Kahlo influence throughout. There are various posters, including a huge A3 size that dominates the living room that I purchased from the V&A museum when I visited the Frida exhibition, “making herself up”, back in November 2018. I may well also have purchased a photographic guidebook to the exhibition, plus the odd few postcards.
Unfortunately, the exhibition was so busy and rammed with visitors, that it was difficult to spend much time reading the notices. However, I did spend quite a bit of time staring in admiration at the costumes that Frida wore. They were so interesting and amazingly colourful as you would expect. I loved looking at the detail of the sewing and the cut of the garments.
In my living room, greeting you on arrival there is a colourful green original Mexican oilcloth tablecloth from the lovely website, Viva La Frida. They sell original Mexican oilcloth and have it shipped over. I’ve bought a few of their patterns and colours over the years.
For Frida fans, there is the excellent Lacuna book by the author, Barbara Kingsolver. This book details some of Frida’s time in Mexico living with Diego Riviera and is a great read.
I would love to visit the Frida Kahlo museum in Mexico. It is called the blue house for the cobalt blue walls. It’s a museum dedicated to the art of Frida and shows the rooms she actually lived in. Via the Frida Kahlo museum website, you can go on a virtual tour.
i hope you enjoyed this blog. Let me know your favourite Frida things too!
Lizzy's Homemade 