Anton Giulio Grande at Milan Fashion Week with a collection dedicated to Frida Kahlo
17 September 2025
"Frida" is the title of the new Spring/Summer 2026 collection by talented designer Anton Giulio Grande, which will be presented on Thursday 25 September 2025.
The fashion show on 25 September in Milan is organised in collaboration with Lineapelle – Unic Concerie Italiane, and is a personal and heartfelt tribute by the famous couturier to one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century.
Twenty-two looks will appear on the catwalk, a triumph of leather crafted using haute couture techniques, with asymmetrical tops in suede, pony skin, tassels and rich embroidery. Among the cult items for the coming season proposed by Grande are long gypsy-style skirts with leather and crystal fringes, organza ruffles, lace flounces, and even a distinctive leather jacket with the image of Kahlo.
"I was influenced by Frida Kahlo because she was a symbol of freedom of expression, says Grande, Frida anticipated modern concepts, ways of being that are shockingly relevant today. She turned her flaws into strengths and became a symbol of freedom. Painting was her lifeline during her illness, and she was able to express her suffering through her art. She is one of the greatest non-conformist painters of the 20th century. My dedication is particularly evident in the ankle-length skirts with lines typical of Kahlo's era, with flared, soft widths, enriched with folk themes, flounces, pleats, ruffles and colour. Kahlo used wide, long skirts to hide her limping gait."
The long dresses follow the length of the skirts. The leather jackets are embroidered with ultra-precious materials: feathers, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, leather inserts with geometric patterns and contrasting colours and materials. The bustiers are also made with geometric shapes edged with feathers matching the leather, and there are also asymmetrical bustiers in pony skin, leather and suede. The sleeveless, heavily embroidered waistcoats recall Kahlo's figure in their motifs. The colour palette ranges from black, a shade dear to the designer, to blue, light blue and aqua green. Pastel colours open up in an immense wheel of pleats with geometric patterns. The looks on the catwalk will be embellished with unique headpieces, made entirely by hand by Florilegio with carved and painted paper flowers, the result of a collaborative effort that combines craftsmanship and vision. For Kahlo, flowers were not just decorative elements, but a means of exploring and representing beauty, life and emotions, even the most difficult ones such as pain, to the point that she stated: “I paint flowers so they won't die”.
Other info at this link.
Click here for an article with info and images about the Milan show (in Italian)
You will find a biography in English at the designer website below.
