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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)

#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.

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Cesi Baca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated 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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#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.

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Maureen Zappellini
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated 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.

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#6

Kahlo’s Fringed Boots

Kahlo’s Fringed Boots

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#7

Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

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Diana CrunChewy Watson
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6 years ago DotsCreated 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

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Apollo
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6 years ago DotsCreated 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

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#12

Portable Ashtray

Portable Ashtray

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#13

Kahlo’s Nail Polish

Kahlo’s Nail Polish

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Cesi Baca
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6 years ago DotsCreated 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

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#15

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

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

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#16

Tehuana Lacy Headdress

Tehuana Lacy Headdress

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#17

Kahlo’s Scarf

Kahlo’s Scarf

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Reina Jippie
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6 years ago DotsCreated 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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#19

Kahlo’s Stockings

Kahlo’s Stockings

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#21

Kahlo’s Vest

Kahlo’s Vest

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Maureen Zappellini
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated 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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