Shein Unveils Frida Kahlo Collaboration, But It’s Not Without Controversy
Online fast-fashion retailer Shein recently unveiled a new collection inspired by Frida Kahlo with the firm in charge of licensing and commercialization of the Mexican artist’s trademarks and likeness.
However, not everyone is too happy about the partnership, as members of Kahlo’s family have been at odds with the Panama-based Frida Kahlo Corporation for over a decade due to an ongoing dispute about her property rights.
According to ARTnews, when Kahlo passed away in 1954, she did so without leaving behind a will. This led to her niece, Isolda Pinedo Kahlo, inheriting the painter’s property rights, with Isolda’s daughter, Maria Cristina Romeo Pinedo, granted power of attorney over these filings in 2003.
A year later, Pinedo formed the Frida Kahlo Corporation (FKC) with other members, hoping to license and commercialize her grandaunt’s brand across the globe. Though things have hit a snag in recent years, with Pinedo and her daughter battling FKC over licensing and trademark assets.
This situation landed the corporation in hot water before, when Mattel released a Kahlo-inspired Barbie Doll back in 2018. A judge ruled for the sales of the doll to be halted in Mexico, siding with the family, though by then numerous toys had already been sold out worldwide.
A separate dispute involving the sportswear brand Puma took place last year, with the painter’s descendants asking for the firm to take down a clothing collection based on her work.
At the moment, it’s unclear if Shein will go ahead with the partnership, or if Kahlo’s relatives will once again be able to stop the sale of merchandise using her legacy and image.
Shein itself has come under fire for stealing artists’ designs without permission, so being tangled in yet another legal battle may be the last thing on its agenda.
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[via ARTnews and The Art Insider, cover image via Shein]
