The Artists - Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali Couple Costume

My boyfriend and decided to dress up as our favorite artists for Halloween. My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo. I didn’t want to just dress like her, I wanted to become part of my favorite painting – “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.”

I gathered all the materials I needed from garage sales including the authentic Mexican skirt! I wore a lightweight foam board on my back which was covered with artificial leaves, flowers, a toy monkey and cat. I also created a neck piece made out of grapevine. Frida was known for her witty quotes and on the back of the board I included one of them – “Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic.”

My boyfriend’s favorite artist is Salvador Dali. Not only did he become Dali, but he became part of one of his most famous works – “The Persistence of Memory.” He created a hidden base containing a cardboard tube under his suit coat in which to mount a real tree branch. From this branch he hung the trademark melting clock which he made from paper mache. On his back he attached a frame containing the Dali quote – “There are some days when I think I’m going to die from an overdose of satisfaction.”

Most of what we needed for our costumes came from garage sales including the black suit and we foraged for grapevine and wood branch on my parents’ land. The cost of both of these costumes was under $30! The most expensive part was the moustache that we bought online.

Our costumes were a hit! I was really pleased that many people immediately recognized us. We were approached by lots of people who exclaimed that Frida or Dali were their favorite artists too. We received many compliments that our creations were extremely creative and “spot on!”

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