Frida Kahlo, in death, is often criticized for stealing the limelight from other notable talented Mexican artists, but her style as much as her art is enduring.
Finding Frida Style Icon by Charlie Collins was the highlight of a recent trip to San Diego.
(Photo: warwicks.com)
A trip to San Diego always includes a visit to my favorite independent bookstore. Warwick’s is a fabulous store that is half books and half paper goods. My entire family looks forward to visiting as they have something for all of us.
(Photo: ranchandcoast.com)
This section above is my first stop because it features design, style and new releases, and is where I spotted the new book about Frida.
A Frida fan can never have too many books about this artist. She never stops being of interest.
The charming illustrations are half of the appeal.
Having read a few books about the artist’s life, the information was not entirely new. The narrow focus of this book is her style, how it came about and what it meant.
Camille Perkins’ illustrations are colorful and full of pattern, as a Matisse canvas.
Frida created her vibrant outfits with the same amount of care and concentration that she dedicated to mixing her paints. From the magenta of her rebozo to the startling yellow on her kitchen walls, every shade was part of Frida’s secret colour code.
-excerpt from Frida Style Icon
One of my favorite images is Frida wearing this red print dress. Contemplating outfits is not something I spend much time on these days, however this image inspired me to do just that.
Her style continues to inspire.
The last section of the book notes various designers and their creations inspired by Frida. Alexander McQueen was often inspired by nature as was she. They both loved butterflies. After McQueen’s death, Sarah Burton took over as Creative Director. Her Spring 2011 collection featured the dress above that seems to nearly consume the wearer in butterflies.
I want to empower women.
I want people to be afraid of the women I dress.
-Alexander McQueen
Clements Ribiero Fall 2005 ready-to-wear collection.
Clements Ribiero showed their love of Frida. Appliquéd flowers, A-line skirts with ruffled hems, and red platforms with butterflies are reminiscent of the Mexican icon’s wardrobe. An illness of polio left Frida’s legs uneven. To disguise her smaller leg she would wear multiple socks to even out the appearance. The socks in Clements Ribiero’s outfit above reference that clever disguise.
It is not worthwhile to leave this world without having had a little fun in life.
-Frida Kahlo
Casa V can bring a touch of Mexican style to your home.