Frida Kahlo was a woman far ahead of her time. In early 20th century Mexico where the patriarchy rule, Frida was a feminist using art and fashion to channel her progressive thoughts - all while fighting immense pain from polio and a fatal bus accident, both of which left her heavily debilitated.
She was an inspiration then, and even after her death in 1954, her legacy lives on. In a first-ever exhibition outside of Mexico, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London will showcase over 200 personal artefacts of the artist, and co-curating this is none other than LASALLE's Head of our School of Fashion, Circe Henestrosa.
"Her relationship to her corsets was one of support. Her body was dependent on the medical intervention. But it was also one of rebellion. It was like a conscious fashion statement," Circe observed.
Having written her Master's thesis on Frida's wardrobe and co-authored the first photographic documentation book about the artist, Frida by Ishiuchi, Circe is a subject expert best equipped to narrate for audiences how clothing, art and imagery can be self-empowering.
Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up opens Saturday, 16 June 2018, till 4 November 2018.
Cover image: Frida Kahlo with Olmec figurine, 1939. Photo credit: Nickolas Muray Photo Archives, Frida Kahlo Museums
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