Frida Kahlo Clothing

I was at an art exhibit of Frida Kahlo's early work recently and the companion exhibit that was set, dresses derived from the matriarchal society located in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in Oaxaca State where she was from. The style featured full skirts, embroidered blouses, and elaborate hairstyles, and when Kahlo combined these indigenous garments with the contemporary elements of her wardrobe, the result showcased her cross-cultural identity, and honored Mexican women of the past and present. She was the daughter of a German-Hungarian father and a half Spanish, half indigenous Tehuana mother, she was a proud mestiza, "mixed race woman," from the start, and during her contentious relationship with fellow painter, Diego Rivera, he encouraged her to embrace that part of her heritage. The clothing are works of art and craft mixed together and worn rather than exhibited, and it is a part of Kahlo that I have alwasy loved.