Following the much anticipated opening of the Frida Kahlo exhibition, Making Herself Up, which opened at the V&A on Saturday June 16, everyone is going Frida Kahlo crazy, with Jan Constantine among the official licensees.
“The addition of the Frida cushion, intricately hand-embroidered and appliqued in wool, has given a new lease of life to my Tropical Collection,” confirms Jan. “Selfridges are doing very well with Frida and the Tropical and Fiesta collections that surround her. In addition, our Frida tote bag has now gone online, which was timed to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.
“Frida was such an enigma in her lifetime with her art, her beauty and her mystery, and today she resonates with modern women who are attracted by her incredible strength and superb style. Watch out for Frida fashion fever. It’s definitely on its way!”
Another licensee, online eyewear boutique Retro Peepers, is launching a pair of officially licensed sunglasses based on those worn by the Mexican artist. The frames are a contemporary reproduction of Frida’s sunglasses, and each pair will be sold with a brightly coloured floral folding case and polishing cloth which have been inspired by Frida Kahlo’s work and Mexican heritage.
“All the news and noise about Frida Kahlo is amazing,” comments Maria Strid at Art Ask Agency. “We are very pleased for all our licensees who are either launching product now, or are getting ready for their big Spring Fair NEC launches in February 2019. Both of these items are in the higher end price bracket at over £140 each. With the level of work, craftsmanship and design involved, they are very much value for money – heirlooms of the future,” adds Maria.
The V&A’s opening launch party attracted plenty of big names from the world of film, music and fashion last week, with celebrity guests including Salma Hayek, Annie Lennox, Philip Treacy, Donna Air.
Top: Jan Constantine’s Frida Kahlo cushion, which comes in two different versions.
