Make Your Own Masterpiece With This Frida Kahlo Mommy and Me Costume

Like many bold babes and art majors, I’ve been in love with Frida Kahlo’s story, work, and personal style ever since I learned about her in art history class (and in the 2002 biopic starring Salma Hayek). When I found out I was pregnant with a baby girl, I had a whole host of philosophical feelings about the concept of growing a mini-me in my belly — two hearts connected, two entire bodies living and breathing as one. I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite paintings, Las Dos Fridas (or The Two Fridas). And so, a Halloween dream was born.

Completed in 1939, this painting was the first large-scale work done by Kahlo (measuring 5'8" x 5'8"). Art historians have suggested that the two figures are a representation of her dual heritage — German and a mix of Spanish and Amerindian. In Kahlo's own recollection, the image is a memory of herself and an imaginary friend from childhood.

To recreate my twist on this painting, I enlisted the help of my favorite hair + makeup artist and soul sistah, Misty Spinney. She created custom costumes for my daughter Anokhi and myself — and hand painted a backdrop to match!

For Anokhi’s costume, we paired a white turtleneck onesie with a frilly lace dress to mimic the Frida on the left. Then we recreated the exposed heart by layering pieces of felt onto the dress. Naturally, Anokhi spit up five minutes before we took our final photos — so she added her own spin to her costume. We also seated her in a Bumbo since at the time she couldn't quite sit up by herself :)

To create my costume, AKA the Frida on the right, we found a blue silk top and brown gauzy skirt at Goodwill. We added a marigold ribbon to the top to imitate the design seen in the painting, then layered on a felt heart in the same style as the other Frida. To connect the two, we recreated Frida’s veins by using red sequin trim and draping it off of each of our outfits.

Of course, Frida’s signature unibrow is an essential part of pulling off this look. We used all-natural organic heady black eye shadow to fill in Anokhi's brows as well as my own.

Sitting pretty ;)

I can officially say that Anokhi has survived her first hair and makeup experience — and I actually think she liked it!

My love, my heart — now a true work of art.

What unusual mommy and me costumes do you want to create? What have you dressed up as in the past? Share with us @BritandCo (and with me @anjelikatemple!). Hair, Makeup, Costumes + Set Design: Misty Spinney Photography: Chris Andre Models: Anjelika Temple + Anokhi Temple