Clothes are a reflection of the people who wear them. The Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up exhibit was no exception. Visitors gained a deeper understanding of the artist behind the paintings, not only through her clothing and accessories, but even her toiletries.
Our clothing tells us something about the time we live in and also the kind of life that was lived in them. This makes historical dress interesting and relevant, as it is yet another way to help us define and understand our past, and potentially inspire our future.
How Did I End Up Here?
I have to admit that I have never been a fan of Frida Kahlo’s art. In fact, the only reason I ended up at this exhibit was that I had a ticket to see the Fashioned from Nature exhibit. Tickets to Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up were next to impossible to get a hold of due to very long waiting lists. But as luck would have it, I happened upon an extra ticket, released that very day.
Regardless of my feelings about her art, Frida Kahlo’s life is undeniably fascinating and since seeing this exhibit, it has become an inspiration for me.
Until I saw this exhibit, I had been missing a piece that made it hard for me to understand her work. What had been missing became clear to me. I gained that understanding as a result of the joining of her art and personal artifacts, namely her wardrobe, in one exhibit.
At a time when we talk heatedly about cultural appropriation, Frida is an iconic example of someone who remained proud of her culture. She never lost sight of the importance of Mexican culture. So much so, that she used her culture to identify and express herself. She was not afraid to push boundaries and make herself up as she lived life. And all this is reflected in her wardrobe, in addition to her art.
Her Love of Mexican Culture Shone Through Her Wardrobe
Frida’s clothes reflected a culture that has time and time again been appropriated by major designers. Sometimes without even a nod to its origins. Her sense of self, alongside her deep love of her culture in all its many expressions, is what made her clothes fashionable, and at the same time authentic.
Frida is a perfect example of what makes clothing timeless.
She is proof that when your wardrobe genuinely reflects your personality, it can become a part of your identity. It enables you to fully embody a persona. Often times for those who feel compelled to keep up with fashion trends, their outfits can distract from the person behind the clothes. Instead with Frida, it feels like we see a true reflection of her “self” through her clothes, making them timeless.
There Is No Denying That Clothes Carry Meaning
After visiting this exhibit, however reluctantly at first, I was challenged to consider all of the pieces in my closet. And this step led to a better understanding of their meaning to me. To remind me of my life, I take photos, buy souvenirs, save mementos and cherish family heirlooms. The reason why I buy clothing and accessories is the same.
The pieces in my wardrobe are snapshots of a life, my life, and experiences that are worth remembering.
For me, my clothing and accessories are kind of a scrapbook that tells a story about me. And this is what makes everything in my wardrobe timeless. If something does not tell a story, then it does not belong in my closet.
Walking through the halls of Frida Kahlo’s clothing, accessories, back braces, beds, makeup, paintings and sketches was a defining moment for me. These artifacts are all important to explaining who Frida Kahlo truly was. Our clothing is a key element of our identity. After seeing this exhibit I felt compelled to find a way to be a part of this conversation. This experience became yet another reason why I decided to go back to school to study textile design and dress history.
To learn more about the exhibit, check out the trailer below or click here.
what do you think?