KAH-N’T DO: Frida Kahlo Family Orders Puma To Scrap Kit Inspired By Her Art
The family of Mexican cultural icon Frida Kahlo has given sports giant Puma one week to withdraw a clothing collection inspired by her art.
The Puma collection is said to be inspired by Kahlo’s work and contribution to Mexican culture, including her stands on inequality and feminism.
The sports giant’s website claims: “The collection elevates style and purpose through technical designs and powerful mantras.
“Frida’s artwork and culture illustrate a story of female empowerment and independence. Her passion continues to move us forward.”
Products include Kahlo-themed trainers, crop tops, leggings and a reversible jacket with the image of the painting The Two Fridas on the back as part of an initiative called ‘She Moves Us’.
But now the painter’s great-niece Mara Romeo is reported to have given sports brand just seven days to withdraw all products.
In a statement, the family said: “We are obliged to request that you refrain from participating, directly or indirectly, in any commercial initiative that implies the use of the name or image of the painter Frida Kahlo.”
It continues: “If in the course of the next seven days, you do not formally notify us of your decision to definitively withdraw from the promotion, we will proceed without further ado to subjectively expand the lawsuit against you that is being substantiated before the Spanish jurisdiction.”
Puma joined forces with the Frida Kahlo Corporation for the project and a company was set up in Panama in 2004 with permission to use the painter’s images.
But Romeo has accused the sports firm of “systematically breaching” the agreement.
Romeo owns 49 per cent of the company’s shares while the corporation owns 51 per cent.
Four years ago, the family went through a similar legal process when they told Mattel to cease promoting a Kahlo-inspired doll.