Inspiration from the V&A: Frida Kahlo Exhibition

Some of you may remember that two years ago we did an entire Mexican themed collection including a sweatshirt with an image of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera hand drawn across the front. Well, last Monday I finally had the chance to visit an exhibition at the V&A Museum featuring one of the artists who inspired that collection and continues to inspire the Lowie brand as whole. The Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up exhibition makes its premiere outside of Mexico for the first since its curation after her death in 1954. It is a must see before it ends in November.

The collection displays Frida’s colourful clothing, accessories, artwork and artefacts to illustrate the famed artist’s unique legacy. Her vibrant style is deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage and is reflected in her brightly coloured chain stitch embroidered dresses and her rosy-hued headpieces. I most enjoyed seeing her wardrobe and how she mixed traditional pieces with prints and had fun with colour! Her clothes helped to compose her life story and the rich textures of the fabric almost brings you right back to her home in Mexico City.

I always love the V&A shop edit and since I'm a Frida fan there were quite a few things I wanted to get my mitts on. In the end I bought a can of refried beans (soon to be reincarnated as a vase), some very small–and very expensive–chili chocolate, and a handmade beaded bracelet with tropical flowers.

Paying homage to Ms. Kahlo’s life work as an outspoken female artist, Lowie is inspired by the colorful life she lived, especially as we transition into sunnier months.

Pink City Prints Prairie Med Maxie, Yellow Mexican Short Dress, Ikat Leaves Mexican Top

While we won’t likely be seeing a proper tropical Mexican climate in London any time soon – though it is an unusually warm summer so far – Pink City Prints’ hand embroidered tops and maxi dresses are bringing us as close to it as possible. Like many of the clothes highlighted in Frida’s closet, each of Pink City Prints' embroidered garments are made from 100% cotton.

Rosita Bonita White Twin Tassel Earrings, also comes in pink.

We also love Rosita Bonita’s leather printed dangly earrings which add a vibrancy and playfulness to any outfit, a central component to many of Kahlo’s artistic works and outfit choices.

Mustard Bohemia Scarf, also comes in Peach, Grey, Neon Coral and Mint.

The Bohemia hand woven scarf could also offer up a subtle nod to native Mexican artistry as an addition to your closet. The scarf features intricate floral embroidery that was special to many of Frida’s garments.

Freeda Door Stop

Wearing bright colours and patterns too much for you? How about an adorable Freeda Door Stop! The wedgie is made by a UK based brand and each one is colourfully hand painted in Sri Lanka.

Last but not least, Lowie's pompom headband is directly inspired by Frida, and great for summer festivals. 

Olé!