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One of the most famous Mexican painters, Frida Kahlo, left a mark on the world with her art, expression of political views, and vibrant personality when she passed away in 1954. But not everybody knows that she also left her unique collection of clothes, which were revealed to the public once again after being locked away for almost 50 years.

Frida's husband, Diego Rivera, was left with an impressive wardrobe of his wife, which he decided to seal in the bathroom of their Mexico City home, and ordered to keep them hidden away until 15 years after his death. He passed away soon after in 1957, but Kahlo's belongings were left locked until 2004 when the museum decided to catalog its content.

The photographer who got the privilege to immortalize over 300 of Frida's wardrobe items was the renowned Japanese photographer Ishiuchi Miyako, who did the job using only a 35mm Nikon camera and a natural light.

More info: Amazon (h/t: vintag.es)

#1

Kahlo’s Earrings

Kahlo’s Earrings

Ishiuchi Miyako Report

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    #2

    Prosthetic Leg

    Prosthetic Leg

    Kahlo’s leg was amputated in 1953. She designed this prosthetic leg with embroidered red lace-up boots and a bell attached.

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Cesi Baca
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had no idea she was an amputee. That fact that she was able to design her own prsostethis is amazing.

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    #3

    Classic Cats-Eye Glasses

    Classic Cats-Eye Glasses

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #4

    Kahlo’s Outfits

    Kahlo’s Outfits

    Kahlo’s friends noted that the more pain she felt, and the more incapacitated she became, the more elaborate her outfits were.

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Maureen Zappellini
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a chronic pain sufferer, I can confirm that this is a great coping strategy. If I feel like c**p I dress to the nines. It actually helps!

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    #5

    Traditional Tehuana Dress

    Traditional Tehuana Dress

    Kahlo’s right leg was thinner than her left after childhood polio – and it was later fractured in 11 places when she had a horrific bus accident in her 20s. As a result, she wore long, traditional Tehuana dresses that concealed her lower body.

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #6

    Kahlo’s Fringed Boots

    Kahlo’s Fringed Boots

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    --
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ah the height of the heels are different

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    #7

    Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

    Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Diana CrunChewy Watson
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know that Lycra didn't exist until 1959, but I would think swimming in cotton knit swimwear would be rather uncomfortable.

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    #8

    Frida’s Cast Corset

    Frida’s Cast Corset

    After her bus accident, Kahlo was in a full body cast for three months, and she remained in pain for the rest of her life. She painted her casts and corsets, turning them from medical equipment into artworks

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Apollo
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She had a very hard life but instead of being a victim she made her misfortune into art.

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    #9

    A Skirt Of Green Silk And Lace Attached To A Body Corset

    A Skirt Of Green Silk And Lace Attached To A Body Corset

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #12

    Portable Ashtray

    Portable Ashtray

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Fabulizz
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have on of these! Found at a vintage store.

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    #13

    Kahlo’s Nail Polish

    Kahlo’s Nail Polish

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Cesi Baca
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To this day Revlon makes some of the most unique and vibrant nail polish colors. I can see why she wore this brand. The polish left in the red bottle is still bright and beautiful.

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    #14

    Kahlo’s Gloves

    Kahlo’s Gloves

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #15

    A Comb Still Covered With Strands Of The Artist’s Hair

    A Comb Still Covered With Strands Of The Artist’s Hair

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #16

    Tehuana Lacy Headdress

    Tehuana Lacy Headdress

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    get in
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A headdress with arms??????????????????????????????????

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    #17

    Kahlo’s Scarf

    Kahlo’s Scarf

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Reina Jippie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Technically it's not a scarf it's called rebozo it is more similar to a chal.... a traditional piece of clothing made by artisans in a loom (can be a blackstrap loom or a colonial loom)

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    #18

    Kahlo’s Outfits

    Kahlo’s Outfits

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    --
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's hard to find good broad lace nowadays

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    #19

    Kahlo’s Stockings

    Kahlo’s Stockings

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Pixie O'Dell
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how they were darned a bit. Such different material.

    #20

    Bottle Of Perfume

    Bottle Of Perfume

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    --
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder what it smells like.

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    #21

    Kahlo’s Vest

    Kahlo’s Vest

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    Maureen Zappellini
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It probably helped her pain. Constriction can help support and keep the pain from getting too intense. I know from experience

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    #22

    One Of The Corsets Worn By Kahlo

    One Of The Corsets Worn By Kahlo

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

    #23

    An Old Black T-shirt

    An Old Black T-shirt

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report