Inspiring … or just insulting? Frida Kahlo is turned into a Barbie doll

SHE was a life-long communist who was known for her outstanding artwork, striking eyebrows and love of traditional Mexican clothing.

Now, nearly 64 years after her death, being immortalised as a Barbie doll can be added to Frida Kahlo’s list of achievements. The artist is one of three historical figures turned into toys by Mattel for its ‘Inspirational Women’ collection.

Despite the firm’s claim that the special collection ‘pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time’, it is a far cry from Miss Kahlo’s far-left roots.

The artist joined the Mexican Communist Party in 1928 and was an ardent supporter of Leon Trotsky.

When the Russian revolutionary fled to Mexico in exile in 1937, he stayed with Miss Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera at their home in Mexico City.

The artist reconciled herself to Stalinism, and painted a self-portrait with the Soviet leader in the background in 1954. She died later that year.

The doll, pictured, which costs around £21, shows Miss Kahlo in a multi- coloured floral dress wearing a floral garland in her hair. The Barbie website says it ‘celebrates the ground-breaking achievements, heroism, and long-lasting contributions Frida made in the art world and for women’.

The collection was released to mark International Women’s Day on Thursday. However, Miss Kahlo’s great niece Mara de Anda Romeo insisted Mattel did not have the rights to use her image.

Miss Romeo also said the doll did not have her ‘traits’. Her lawyer Pablo Sangri said the family will ask the corporation to redesign the controversial toy.

Mattel said in a statement it worked with the Panama-based Frida Kahlo Corp ‘which owns all the rights’.