Frida Kahlo is now considered to be one of the most talented female and Mexican artists, but her talent went largely unrecognized during her lifetime. Born in 1907 in Coyocoán, Mexico City, she married fellow artist Diego Rivera in 1929.
Frida’s colourful creations sum up Mexico in many ways – vibrant, unique and feisty. Now, visitors to luxurious hotel, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya can enjoy the full Frida’s Wardrobe Experience for themselves.
Wardrobe Experience – Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya
Talented photographers Sol Tamargo and Matt Adcock and their team have collaborated with Andaz Mayakoba to give you a unique taster of Frida’s inimitable style – Frida’s Wardrobe Experience at Andaz Mayakoba. This eco retreat has a prime location with a beautiful white sand beach, stunning pools and striking artworks.
Sol herself is known for her colourful dress sense, as well as her innovative images. The team are listed by American Photo Magazine as one of the top 10 wedding photography studios in the world and have featured on the cover of National Geographic.
Trash the Dress Photo Shoots
I was fortunate to be invited to participate in the Frida’s Wardrobe Experience, starting in the comfort of our suite at Andaz Mayakoba. Sol was accompanied by the equally talented photographer Polly, who featured in a breathtaking underwater trash the dress photoshoot in the cenotes.
These sinkholes are specific to this part of Mexico and make for spectacular photos.
Over the course of an afternoon, I had a great time with Sol and Polly who styled me up in traditional Mexican outfits with a contemporary twist. Del Sol Photography aim to reflect Andaz Mayakoba’s philosophy of expressing your own personal style.
In my case, that’s anything colourful and the bright decor at Andaz fitted the mood perfectly.
Frida Kahlo Dress Style
We learnt that Frida Kahlo wore traditional Mexican clothing in the 1930s, when no one else was wearing it any more. When she visited the States, children asked her “Where’s the circus?”.
We can’t feature her artworks here as they are copyright, but do search online for her paintings such as The Two Fridas, Self Portrait with Necklace of Thorns and the Wounded Deer if you can, as their surreal intensity is something you won’t forget in a hurry.
Sol laid out a selection of her own colourful jewelry for me to choose from, layering two necklaces for maximum effect. It will soon be available to buy at Andaz. Then she styled me up with designer belts and a colourful headdress – great for hiding a bad hair day ;-).
As I arranged it at the last minute I didn’t have the hair and make up styling that is normally included. Just imagine the shoot with the added bonus of a professional team beautifying you first – what a treat!
The light was dancing gently on our balcony as Sol and Polly captured this back shot. All photos featured here are taken by them, apart from the photograph of Frida Kahlo herself.
Polly told me that Frida Kahlo had to wear body casts as she had not only suffered from polio when a child, but had a terrible bus accident as a teenager. She started painting while she was recovering, and even decorated her body casts with bright colours.
In keeping with this, Sol gave me the opportunity to select from several different corsets designed by Mexican designer Claudia Bo. She also created the headpieces, having been inspired by the Tehuana style headpieces worn by Kahlo.
The corsets were all beautiful but the Frida Kahlo one seemed particularly appropriate for Frida’s Wardrobe Experience. They lace up at the back and therefore fit all sizes – I did breathe in a bit with it on!
Sol and Polly really know how to make anyone look good on camera, choosing the most flattering angles and natural light. They took these shots at the striking Octopus mural painted by Senkoe, a famous artist from Mexico. It’s located next to the beachside pool, with a tequila bar and a DJ spinning tunes – the epitome of cool.
Casa Amate
They were also incredibly patient and gave me plenty of direction on how to pose. It felt like being on a Tatler or Vogue shoot thanks to the stylish backdrop of Andaz Mayakoba’s Casa Amate.
This fine dining restaurant specializes in gourmet homestyle cooking from Latin America. I’ll be writing more about the delicious food in an upcoming post.
With its velvet sofas and geometric tiles, it’s traditional yet contemporary at the same time.
A family came in whilst we were shooting and I felt a little self conscious but the little girls seemed fascinated. I had to remind myself, what would Frida do? The answer, I’m pretty sure is that she would have loved it.
Final Thoughts on the Wardrobe Experience at Andaz Mayakoba
I loved Frida’s Wardrobe Experience and would highly recommend it to anyone. Del Sol Photography also do family shots, weddings and much more. They’re Cultural Insiders and Brand Ambassadors at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya and can be reached at andaz@delsolphotography.com.
As for Frida herself, I think we can all learn something from this powerful woman. She refused to let her physical issues limit her, achieving so much in what was then very much a man’s world.
Now if I need a confidence boost, I’ll ask myself – what would Frida do? I’ll leave you with one of my favourite inspirational life journey quotes from Frida:
Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?
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- Art and Culture in Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
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You look fabulous! What a brilliant experience to have.
Thanks very much Tori, it was such a fun experience
Suze I absolutely love this post – what a fun and unique experience and I love the vibrant colours! You look fabulous – the colours really suit you! I absolutely love the underwater trash the dress photoshoot too! Frida sounds like a remarkable woman
That’s so kind, I had a great time with Sol and Polly. As for Frida Kahlo, she was so inspirational
Oh Suze I love this!! What a fun thing to do! You look so stunning in the photos, what a beautiful backdrop for this fantastic experience. I love the corset particularly.
Thanks Angie, Andaz was the perfect place for the experience and I loved the outfit and jewellery!
I have always loved her work. This looks like an incredible experience!!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
It was such a pleasure, Amy – the time flew by
Sue!!! It was such a pleasure to “play” with you!! Thank you sooo much for the detailed explanation of #FridasWardrobe experiece. It is a Tribute to Mexico, to Art, To Frida and an inspiration to bring the individual “Andaz”= (personal style) in the travellers that visit us. GRACIAS!!!! – Sol Tamargo – del Sol Photography
Hi Sol, thanks so much for this amazing experience at Andaz. You definitely captured the spirit of both the resort and Frida!
you look great in Frida inspired outfits:)
Thanks very much Tanja, I think those outfits are universally flattering!
Featured on the cover of National Geographic? That’s incredible! What a treat it must have been to be photographed by such talent and in such a colourful scenario – very much in tune with your blog and personal style, Suze 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
I felt very lucky – and if I ever go back then I want to try the cenote shoot! I think either would be right up your street
Like most of the girls Iove Frida. the photoshoot reminds of her and her art so nicely!
Lyosha from Inside and Outside Blog
It’s wonderful that everyone knows and loves her work – if only she was around now to get that recognition
I pity so much she didn’t know how important she is now
She’s amazing and I’ve always appreciated her work. And look at you, Suze, you look absolutely lovely all dressed up!
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Ah that’s so kind, Shireeen! Frida was such a revolutionary in more ways than one
Frida Kahlo is one of my all-time favorite artists so I love this whole post!! You look gorgeous in the traditional dress!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Ah bless you, Courtney! I can see why you love her work, she really made the most of her life
Dear Suze, thank you so much for your nice words about my Designs! I´m glad to hear you enjoyed the whole experience… I´m a big fun of Frida Kahlo, so I respectfully created this Portrait Corset Collection and the head pieces inspired on her very eclectic style. You look absolutely beautiful on them!
Love your work, Claudia – do you sell to the UK? Had so much fun wearing the corset and headdress
Yes I do! happy to hear that. I love UK
Loved this post, what an amazing place and I love your photos and outfit! The designs are amazing! Gemma x
Well they’re not actually my photos – they’re taken by the very talented Sol and Polly but I had a brilliant time with them
Frida Khalo is one of my favorite artists. Many years ago I saw a movie about her sad life. I have to say you look really good in those colorful outfits.
A superb and talented artist. I love your pictures stunning Lucy x
Oh my the pictures turned out stunning and so great to also learn about all the history and art that goes along with these beautiful images. The last one was one of my favorites 🙂