Anu (left) and Jazzmin Adibi pose in Chloe Rose outfits inspired by Frida Kahlo at the de Young Museum on June 29. Photo Clarivel Fong

The de Young Museum, in partnership with the Mexican Consulate and The Mexican Museum, hosted “Viva Frida: From the Blue House to the Catwalk”—a Frida Kahlo-themed runway fashion show inspired by the haute couture fashion on display in the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit on June 29.

“This event is especially important because we are exercising the resources of three outlets,” said Renee Baldocchi, director of public programs for the museum. “The Mexican Museum, Mexican Consulate and the de Young.”

Rene Yanez, David de la Torre and Jonathan Yorba were among those who helped to spearhead the event.

This event is part of the “First Fridays” series that the de Young hosts every Friday from March 30 through Nov. 23. Previous events have included a drag-show welcoming ceremony for Jean Paul Gaultier, a photography exhibit paired with acoustic folk-classical band Stellamara and a handful of events focusing on student art.

Showcasing the best in local talent, the event included live music sung by models Veronica Valencia and Liliana Herrera. A DJ provided an electrifying soundtrack that set the ambiance, and the runway was a visual masterpiece that would make Frida proud.

Many of the costumes were DIY creations of the participating models, but arguably the most stunning and memorable costumes were created by Chloe Rose, a brilliant freelance fashion designer who created six of the runway looks.

Rose, who doesn’t have an online shop or boutique to speak of, works mainly on commission. When asked which of her looks was most challenging to create, Rose answered without hesitation:
“The bondage Frida with the corset and the skirt done with shredded fabric,” she said. “A lot of these pieces were hand sewn, with very little use of a sewing machine.”

Altogether, Rose said the collection took six weeks to complete.

When asked about walking the runway, model Jazzmin Adibi said it was an opportunity to “embody the Gualtier flow and structure.”

“Because of the detail, I want to present it in a way that’s not strong or overpowering, just with enough grace to present it in a way that the audience—even all the people in the back—can see all the minute details,” she said. “I want to embody an animal. I want it to manifest as a tiger or lion and I want the audience to feel my energy. Especially with someone like Frida, I want to channel her spirit and definitely give respect to the legend.”

Veronica Valencia, donning a cone-bra similar to that displayed in the Gaultier exhibit, commented on the pressures of being on the runway.

“It’s important to exude confidence,” she said. “Confidence is everything and if you don’t believe you can sell what you have on the runway, no one else is going to believe you.”

In addition to walking the runway, Valencia enchanted the crowd, singing heartfelt ballads that silenced the room and demanded attention.

“My favorite part was Veronica Valencia’s singing,” said onlooker Antonio Coria. “It was beautiful and left me hypnotized.”

The crowd was a healthy combination of costumed admirers, newcomers, hipsters and everyone in between. While all the pieces of the event were equally fabulous, most people seemed particularly captivated by the runway show.

“I really like the masculine and feminine Fridas,” onlooker Emily Winslowe said. “It shows a side that very little people associate with Frida.”

Friday Nights at the de Young is a free and awe-inspiring place for visitors, as well as locals, to experience San Francisco culture.

“This is San Francisco,” said Jonathan Yorba, head of the Mexican Museum. “We are artists, we are a community.”

2 replies on “Fashion forward exhibit brings famous portraits to life”

  1. Ms. Fernando, please give credit where credit is due. While model Veronica Valencia did sing ONE song. The singer/model who captured the crowd and electrified the event was Liliana Herrera. Her performance lifted the show to another level with the sole help of guitarist Jose Roberto. I as well as hundreds of others were mesmerized by these local musicians and believe it is unfair to incorrectly give credit to someone else.

  2. Ms. Fernando, I too agree that you must give credit where credit is due and you must amend this article. Not only because you didn’t take the time to interview some of the key people that made this show what it was, truly inspiring and with such creativity and talent. Showcasing the spirit of Frida with their songs. Had you done you job you would have known basic facts from these two artists, such as mentioning or even including the name of the amazing guitarist Jose Roberto Hernandez who played for us alongside Liliana Herrera who was really the true artist that night. These people are true Mission District artists and have been involved in their community for years, shame on you for not giving them the respect they deserve!

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