Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo [Hardcover]

Carlos Phillips Olmedo (Author), Denise Rosenzweig (Author), Magdalena Rosenzweig (Author), Teresa del Conde (Author), Marta Turok (Author), Graciela Iturbide (Photographer), Pablo Aguinaco (Photographer), Unnamed Anonymous (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 18, 2008

Frida Kahlo remains one of the most popular artists of our timesales of Frida books number into the hundreds ofthousandsand yet no volume has ever focused on one of the most memorable aspects of her persona and creativeoeuvre: her wardrobe. Now, for the first time, 95 original and beautifully staged photographs of Kahlo's newly restored clothing are paired with historic photos of the artist wearing them and her paintings in which the garments appear. Frida's life and style were an integral part of her art, and she is long overdue for recognition as a fashion icon.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Carlos Phillips Olmedo is director of the Blue House Museum.

Denise and Magdalena Rosenzweig are textile restorers.

Teresa del Conde is an author and art historian.

Marta Turok is an author and anthropologist.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811863441
• ISBN-13: 978-0811863445
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frida and Diegos gift to us.....50 years later., June 18, 2008

By 

A. Jacobus (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo (Hardcover)

Apparently in 1954, the year Frida passed away, Diego Rivera had her dressing room and bathroom at the Casa Azul locked, with the stipulation that it could be opened 50 years later. In 2004 the day came to unlock the room, and discover its contents. This book explores those contents, which included many of Fridas clothes, hair ribbons, medical devices, linens, etc. Its an amazing archeological discovery of sorts. A time capsule that reveals much about the day to day life of what has become one of the most influential women artists in history. Lavish color photographs of her clothing, paired with photos and paintings in which they appear; a treasure for those passionate about the life, art and fashion of Frida Kahlo. Really destined to become a personal favorite.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book of Colorful Photographs, September 13, 2008

By 

Pam Drapala "Pamela Carvajal Drapala" (AZ, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo (Hardcover)

Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo

This book is fill with bright colors and amazing details of Frida's wardrobe. The book not only shows and describes the clothing, shoes, jewelry that Frida wore, it also shows rooms of her home which give one a look into her life. By reading and viewing this book, a part of Frida's life is revealed like it has never been done before. I give this book, five stars out of five.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Kahlo book!, October 11, 2008

By 

J. Burgess "Word Wytch" (Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo (Hardcover)

This is a great book for anyone interested in the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Her muralist husband Diego Rivera had Kahlo's bedroom sealed immediately on her death and requested that the room not be opened for fifty years. Their house became a museum devoted to Kahlo and the curator honoured Rivera's wishes and the room was left sealed for the full fifty years. At the end of that time it was decided that the clothing and other things inside the room should be rescued and preserved and the room was opened. The story that follows is fascinating as the people that did the restoration tell their stories of what they found and the feelings they had on being the first to enter and see the clothing that became Kahlo's trademark look.
The photos are lovely and were shot on site at Kahlo's house. Photos of Kahlo in the garments are also included as well as descriptions of where the pieces would have come from in Mexico and what they are made of. This is an interesting read for fans of Kahlo and Rivera, anyone interested in the clothing of Mexico, and those who enjoy reading how a bit of history was preserved. It also gives a very personal view and insight of the life of a great artist. I can't recommend this one enough! It's my favourite book in my Frida Kahlo collection.