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1,000 Frida Kahlo Fans Dress Up as the Artist to Break a World Record

By Kelly Richman-Abdou on July 11, 2017

With her colorful wardrobe, affinity for flowers, and signature unibrow, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has served as the iconic inspiration behind countless costumes and copycat looks. In the past, this interest in emulating the artist's appearance has materialized as empowering projects, photographic tributes, and even tiny toddler Halloween ensembles. Recently, the Dallas Museum of Art took this Frida fascination to the next level when over 1,000 look-alikes attempted to break the Guinness World Record for largest gathering of people dressed as the artist.

Intended as a creative way to celebrate what would be the artist's 110th birthday, the eccentric event invited people of all genders and ages to showcase their best Kahlo impressions and meet at the museum. In order to count as a participant in the world record attempt, each individual's Frida Kahlo costume had to include some specific components: a floral-printed, knee-length dress, a red or pink shawl, at least three flowers in his or her hair, and, of course, a bushy, bold unibrow.

As expected, the Frida-inspired festivities attracted a large group of art-loving individuals eager to play dress-up. While 5,000 people showed up to commemorate the artist's birthday, only 1,000 qualified to be counted toward the world record effort.

Whether or not their goal was met (the Dallas Museum of Art is still anxiously awaiting the results), the event was undoubtedly a success, as it colorfully celebrated the artist's legacy and, most importantly, brought people together. “I think this made a big impact on everyone, to do this for the whole community here,” 10-year-old participant Akira Gary told Dallas News. “Seeing all these people come out for Frida really touches my heart.”