The Mexican artist famed for her passion of clashing pattern and bold colour, Frida Kahlo is having a(nother) moment in the spotlight. An exhibition at the V&A is giving us a glimpse of her compelling life story through her most intimate personal belongings in the upcoming highlyanticipated exhibition; Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up.
Opening on Saturday 16 June, the exhibition will showcasesome of Kahlo's personal artefacts and fabulous clothing that have been locked away for 50 years after her death – the collection has never before been exhibited outside Mexico.
Book ahead to avoid disappointment, or get into the Frida Kahlo spirit with our very own celebration of the Queen of flower crowns.
Because if there’s one party theme to embrace this summer, it’sthe hot, Latin look of a central American carnival.
From fashion to furniture, Frida Kahlo has beena huge influence on pattern and colour, with vibrant pops of yellow, orange, pink and red sprouting up left right and centre.
Folksy motifs, wild flowers and clashing colours are key in many high-street collections, with Anthropologie and Talking Tables leading the way.
Do like Jan Constantine and add some Spanish sloganery and, to complete the look, a potpourri of embroidery, a boho sombrero and a pompom or three never go amiss. Olé!
TREASURE CHEST
Skulls and spoons, fish and flowers, candles and clovers, pills and pins and plenty of other oddities all mix together in this bold and beautiful chest of drawers.
Altdeutsche chest, £3,273, by Studio Job
BAG OF RICHES
Christian Louboutin’s Treasure Tote, Mexicaba features panels of eye-popping colour, vivid embroidery and traditional hand-painted beads.
It was created in collaboration with Taller Maya, a design brand that aims to preserve authentic craftsmanship and ensure the long-term economic empowerment of Mayan artisans through working with artisans from the Yucatan Peninsula.
In other words, a bag that's both beautiful and a good cause.
Mexicabas limited-edition bag, £1,145, Christian Louboutin
FLOWER CROWN
Nothing says tropical vibes quite like wearing fruit on your head. The Cuban Fiesta Floral Headbandpromises to get you fiesta-ready faster than you can sayOlé!With llama pinatas and pom pom sticks to folksy floral napkins and paper plates, and even Frida Kahlo printed paper cups, Talking Tables' Boho range is hot hot hot.
Fiesta headband, £11, Talking Tables
PATIO PARTY
Frida Kahlo's signature pink and orange combo give this garden chair a splash of upbeat attitude.With its bold colour palette and groovy, retro shape, the Jambi pink and orange woven garden bench adds a bit of summer to your outdoor space – even when the British weather fails you.
HAPPY MEAL
Technically this dinner range is inspired by the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean, but we think the vibrant patterns and colours wouldn't be out of place in Acapulco, either. Perfect for serving tapas or to simply bring a vibrant splash of colour to your tabletop.
Nador dinner plate, £9.50,formahouse.co.uk
MARIACHI
After enough mojitos, anyone could be the nextIsrael Kamakawiwo'ole.
SPANISH SLOGANERY
From little love birds to parrots and toucans, and from Mexican Day of the Dead skulls to Spanish sloganery and even Frida Kahlo herself,Jan Constantine's embroidered cushions add the perfect dose of folk and colour.
Felt cushion, £96, Jan Constantine
FABULOUS FABRIC
Featuring an eclectic decoupage of vintage prints with south American Aztec patterns, the aptly named Frida Santa Arlequin fabricfrom the house of Lacroix creates maximum impact.
Frida Santa Arlequin cotton-mix, £145 per m,Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild
QUIRKY KITSCH
Graham & Green's Mariachi Candle Holder is the epitome of Mexican quirky kitsch. Complete the look with a matching girlfriend.
Mariachi candleholder,£27.95, Graham and Green
POM POM PARADE
Llift your cloakroom with a summery, cheerfulpink pom pom studded mirror.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
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