ADVERTISEMENT

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

TheReader19
Community Member
8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely feeling these earrings, talk about timeless!

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

These are traditional earrings from Guanajuato Mexico. Probably a present

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

Love birds mate for life, like they did. sure he messed around but he loved her.

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

Hmm...not unlike the Claddagh.

View more comments
RELATED:
    #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.

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

    have you seen her paintings? Self-portraits with all these disabilities?

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

    That's the coolest prosthetic leg I ever saw.

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

    She was seriously wounded in a trolley car accident when she was younger. Really messed her up physically.

    Load More Replies...
    TheReader19
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't knock the girls uniqueness, she sure was her own person. Boot is really on trend

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

    Love these boots, she was brilliant !

    View more comments
    #3

    Classic Cats-Eye Glasses

    Classic Cats-Eye Glasses

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

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

    I am in LOVE with cat - eye glasses!

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

    Hipsters would be jealous.

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

    Face a Face... today a very popular shape, absolutely amazing woman

    #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!

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

    Exactly. I'll have days when I have a full face of makeup and a nightgown or pajamas.

    Load More Replies...
    Susanna Vesna
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the skirt's hem and the colours! Would totally wear this!

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

    The colors are still vibrant.

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

    This skirt is beautiful. I would happily wear it nowadays.

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

    Getting lost in creating something can let your mind escape pain that your body can not get away from!!! I have been in a lot of pain for over 15 years. I asked to get in a pain management program as soon as I was told in would not go away a d learned quickly that keeping your mind busy is a must. If you don't your mind starts playing ugly games with you! While this has went on a looooong time I am only in the pain I am feeling right this moment. If you don't find something you can do your brain starts telling you that pain is adding up and it gets worse because you are mentally adding it all up. Working out what you want to make and how you are going to do it keeps you busy so you don't add it up. When I have my camera out and I find something anything to shot I honestly don't feel it! I am alway trying out new crafts or combining crafts in new ways and I have always felt like she did that too!

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

    I need to have this skirt!

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

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

    The square and triangular traditional Oaxacan bodice shapes also drew the viewer's eyes upward and "framed" her face

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

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

    Her leg was withered from childhood polio.

    Load More Replies...
    Melissa Gatlin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes like many with polio she was left with a shorter leg on the side most affected by polio.

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

    She lost her leg later in life. The shoes above are from when she still had two feet.

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

    Selina Jaz ~ but it does make sense. Kahlo’s right leg was thinner (and shorter ) than her left after childhood polio – and it was later fractured in 11 places when she had a horrific bus accident in her 20s . Sadly, her leg was later amputated.

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

    So is the placement of the lace. Equal heuggt, different part of the design.

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

    Selina Jaz - perhaps she wore these before her leg was amputated?

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

    Before she had a leg amputated she had to wear a lift in one shoe.

    View more comments
    #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.

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

    This must have been quite uncomfortable ,but at the same time i love the color and the top

    Martin_D35
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the color. It looks a bit turquoise on my screen. I bet it looked great on her. Especially when the rope belt was tied. The knit pattern looks a bit like water ripples. Gives great texture to it. I wonder if she went into the water with it or just wore it to the beach?

    View more comments
    #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.

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

    This looks like a type of removalable partial cast. It looks very similar to what I wore after six months in a full body cast at 15.

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

    I can totally relate...it's not easy, but you do what you have to do when you don't have a choice.

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

    Makes me wanna take a look at her artwork again and see if I can reference any of the clothing shown.

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

    I always thought it was a tram accident

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Frida’s Cast Corset

    Frida’s Cast Corset

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

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

    When I just saw the clothes I was like 'such awesome stuff'..of course it is Frida's..she was such a gorgeous woman.

    #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.

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

    This is amazing , I have visited Casa Asul in Coyoacan Mexico where she lived and seen many I'd her paintings as well as many if her household items her diary, but never seen this clothing are they going to be part of the Museum exposition?

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

    i even got one in plastic with thin alufoil inside.... to helt prevent polution of the nature 20170418_0...5c8be8.jpg 20170418_093528-58f5c405c8be8.jpg

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

    This is for transporting cigarette in your purse , my gran grandma has one a like

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

    How thoughtful of her.Back then everyone smoked and flicked butts.

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

    Another post said this was her compact

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #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.

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

    I like the name of that red polish, 'orchids to you'. It's funny to see that even back then they already advertised with 'one coat only'.

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

    This is some really good marketing for Revlon! Especially the surviving red colour!

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

    Wow! I'n often using the same mark😍

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #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

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

    It's kind of gross but they can clone her now

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

    Take that DNA and let's make a new Frida. We'll show her how amazing her "mother" was.

    #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??????????????????????????????????

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

    Its not a sleeve. It hangs in the front like a matching scarf.

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #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)

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #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

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

    I've heard that there's a such thing as real & fake lace. How can you tell the difference?

    Load More Replies...
    #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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #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.

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

    https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dana/Emir-22054.html

    Load More Replies...
    12 dsk
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    http://www.nstperfume.com/2015/07/01/a-celebritys-scent-frida-kahlo-dana-emir/

    #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

    Martin_D35
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a painting of her wearing a corset like this. It depicts the terrible pain and agony she was in. It's called The Broken Column.

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

    The Broken Column doesn't really show a corset but more of a metal spine

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    One Of The Corsets Worn By Kahlo

    One Of The Corsets Worn By Kahlo

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

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

    The sure doesn't look comfortable. I can't imagine her pain

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #23

    An Old Black T-shirt

    An Old Black T-shirt

    Ishiuchi Miyako Report

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

    Love the thinness of the material to match the lace. Beautiful blouse!

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

    T-Shirt? Okay then... Love the vintage cut of this BLOUSE!

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

    I've never in my life used the term blouse. And I'm 35, I thought that was an old school term!

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

    T-shirt? Who wrote these descriptions? And what's fun for me, in the late 1960s I had a very similar black blouse.