Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
{This post is part of my series celebrating LGBT figures in history with lists of lingerie inspired by them. Read my first post on Sappho here}
One thing that sets Gay and Lesbian History month apart from other history months is the fact that many of the individuals celebrated are already well known– just not recognized as part of the LGBT community by the general population. This part of their history has been seen as shameful, and therefore often gets covered up. It’s just so with Frida Kahlo, who is well known for her art and her relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, but not for her relationships with other women, including Josephine Baker.
I chose Kahlo for my second person from history to feature in lingerie form because she is such a spectacular artist and has such a colorful style, both in painting and in life, that seemed perfect to translate into a lingerie feature.
Strathcona Socks Hand Printed Fruit Socks, $36
I love these fruit socks because of the rich, vibrant colors and the painterly quality of the print. Kahlo often used both fruit and flowers in her work, so they seemed very appropriate. I’m not sure feet could be any better dressed than in these socks!
Free People Gisela Santiago Bra, $70
The cranberry color of this bra, coupled with its multi-fabric construction, immediately brought to mind Kahlo’s juxtaposition of strong colors and patterns.
Zinke Horizons Robe, $185
Kahlo often appears in her work in scarves and wraps, so I thought that this robe was very fitting. The slightly faded blue color is so simple and lovely, I thought it paired well with some of the more pattern-focused and complex pieces I chose. The blue also resembles the Madonna-like blue she paints herself wearing in this self-portrait:
Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait (1930)
Although the colors aren’t a perfect match, I think they’re pretty close. And the simplicity in both the robe and the painting go well together.
Mixed Prints Longline Bra, $38
I love this bra because it’s so vibrant. So much lingerie is all about subtle, hidden coloring (which I do also enjoy), that it’s nice to see some bold and playful patterns for a change.
Honey Cooler Handmade Custom Ribbon Corset Cincher, $120
These ribbon corset cinchers are again, so fun and colorful, but they also give a nod to the hourglass shape that Kahlo usually shows in her paintings.
Hot-Sox Frida, $7
Last, and certainly not least, are these amazing ‘Frida’ socks. Now, I know they’re not technically lingerie, but there was no way I was leaving them out of this list. Plus, for only $7 you can show your Frida Kahlo appreciation with your toes. What’s not to like?
So, what did you think of this installment of the LGBT History Month series? Do you think Frida Kahlo is as interesting as I do?