La Casa Azul, a museum in Mexico City dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo, has clarified that the clothes of Kahlo's that pop star Madonna was seemingly shown wearing in a recent Instagram post are not from its collection.
The institution issued a statement on 20 May in response to a series of photos Madonna published to social media in which she donned a floral dress, an embroidered blouse and a rebozo, a popular style of Mexican shawl. She also published a number of pictures featuring vintage shoes and jewelry. Her accompanying caption suggested the clothes and accessories had belonged to Kahlo.
“A Beautiful Souvenir—visiting the family home of my Eternal Muse—Frida Kahlo in Mexico City,” Madonna wrote on Instagram. “For me it was magical to try on her clothes and jewelry, to read her journals and letters and to look at photos I’d never seen before.”
In a press release posted on X (formerly Twitter), a spokesperson for La Casa Azul clarified that the singer did not put on clothes from its collection or even visit the institution.
“It is important to clarify that, contrary to what has been mentioned in social media, Madonna, due to scheduling constraints, was unable to visit La Casa Azul during her recent visit to Mexico,” the statement reads. “However, we had the opportunity for her family and staff to enjoy the museum.”
Madonna did make a private visit to Kahlo’s family home in El Pedregal, Mexico, on 18 April, according to Billboard. La Casa Azul’s statement did not specify whether the objects in question were lent to the singer during that visit.
During the Mexican branch of Madonna’s recent Celebration Tour, the Queen of Pop showcased her love and appreciation for Kahlo onstage, asking actress Salma Hayek (who played Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida) to join her during her performance of her 1990 hit Vogue at the Palacio de Los Deportes in Mexico City. According to the Mexican newspaper Reforma, the star wrote a lengthy, emotive dedication to Kahlo during her visit to the family home, calling Kahlo “a soul mate”.
“The singer’s deep admiration for Frida highlights the ongoing relevance of the artist and also underscores how her influence transcends cultures and borders, inspiring global admirers,” La Casa Azul’s statement concludes.
As of this writing, Madonna has not responded to the museum’s clarification.