This Summer, London’s Fashion and Textile Museum stages the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the iconic rebozo, a classic Mexican shawl made famous in 20th century culture by artist Frida Kahlo.
Made in Mexico explores the key role that textiles have played in promoting Mexican culture worldwide, dating from the 17th century to the present day. Rebozos on display include major loans from the Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico City; the Museum of Textiles, Oaxaca; the British Museum and rebozos from private collections that have never been shown in public before. Contemporary Mexican and UK artists, photographers, fashion and textile designers also present new work inspired by the rebozo and Mexican textiles, including Francisco Toledo, Graciela Iturbide, Carla Fernandez, Zandra Rhodes and Kaffe Fassett.
A must for all fabric fans, the space is presented in sections which explore the history of Mexican textiles, key personalities associated with the rebozo – from Frida Kahlo to Grammy award-winning musician Lila Downs – how the rebozo is used and worn, weaving techniques and the rebozo in contemporary art and fashion.
The exhibition also explores the current resurgence of craft skills through a cultural exchange programme to design rebozos for the 21st century with University of the Arts London and Universidad Iberoamericana.
If you want to be inspired by the show yourself, head on down to Made In Mexico: The Robozo In Art, Culture and Fashion at the Fashion And Textile Museum, London – the show is being hosted from 6 June – 31 August 2014.
