SEE: Frida Kahlo's Dresses in Mexico City

The artist Frida Kahlo, tortured by pain and love, died more then fifty years ago but her colorful Mexican dresses and lace petticoats continue to inspire designers like the recent Fall 2012 Dolce e Gabbana collection.

Over 300 items from Frida Kahlo's personal collection and wardrobe are on display in Mexico City in the Frida Kahlo Museum which was formerly known as the Blue House.  

Fascinatingly the clothes were not discovered until 2004 in rooms that had been sealed off in the Blue House.  Much as Kahlo herself did not attempt to cover her infirmities, the show includes not only colorful dresses, sunglasses and jewelry but more macabre items like her prosthetic leg and corset style orthopedic supports.  Reportedly, Diego Rivera had the clothes locked away after her death and he asked a friend, Dolores Olmedo, to keep the clothes hidden for another fifteen years after his death.  Astonishingly she instead kept it secret for another 45 years and the discovery was made after her death.

There is obviously a very complicated story somewhere in this strange tale but I am thrilled to see the photos of the collection and maybe will plan a trip to Mexico City sometime soon...

Most photos courtesy of, you guessed it, Vogue Mexico

I have read two titles for this show and not sure of the translation but I prefer the first title, Smoke and Mirrors: The Dresses of Frida Kahlo
or Appearances Can Be Deceiving: The Dresses of Frida Kahlo
Las Apariencias Enganan: Los vestidos de Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City

22 November 2012to 22 November 2013