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

#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
6 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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#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
6 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 crap 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

#7

Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

Kahlo’s Knit Swimsuit In Mint Green

Ishiuchi Miyako Report

Diana CrunChewy Watson
Community Member
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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
6 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

#21

Kahlo’s Vest

Kahlo’s Vest

Ishiuchi Miyako Report

Maureen Zappellini
Community Member
6 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