This summer, London is celebrating one of history’s most iconic artists. With ¡Frida Icónica! transforming Carnaby Street into London’s largest free public display dedicated to Frida Kahlo, and Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern exploring the life and legacy of the celebrated Mexican artist, there’s never been a better time to soak up the Fridamania. Whether visiting to take in the art, fashion or simply looking for a summer day out, here’s how to have a very Frida day in London.
The Frida Day itinerary
9:00am: Start with a Frida-inspired coffee at Nagare Coffee
The perfect Frida Day begins at Nagare Coffee on Newburgh Street, where visitors can experience an exclusive collaboration created especially to celebrate ¡Frida Icónica! and Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern. Lucia Gallardo is a limited-edition iced filter coffee by Coffee by Tate, inspired by the spirit of Frida Kahlo. Sourced from Oaxaca, Mexico and produced by Mazateca Mujeres, the coffee celebrates Mexican heritage, female producers and one of the country’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions.
9:30am: Experience London’s largest free Frida display, ¡Frida Icónica!, on Carnaby Street
Just around the corner, Carnaby Street has been transformed by ¡Frida Icónica!, a striking overhead public art installation featuring papel picado and a large-scale mural, inspired by the life and work of Frida Kahlo. Stretching across the famous street, the installation celebrates Frida’s enduring legacy, whilst creating one of London’s most colourful photo opportunities. Completely free to visit and with a Nagare coffee in hand, it’s the perfect place to start the day and become immersed in Frida Kahlo’s world.
10:30am: Get the Frida look: Shop Frida inspired fashion and beauty in Soho
Frida Kahlo’s influence has always extended beyond the canvas, with her distinctive personal style and use of colour almost as iconic as her art. Continuing the theme, Carnaby Street offers plenty of opportunities to explore fashion inspired by creativity and self-expression. With it’s vintage-inspired silhouettes and striking prints, RIXO channels the fearless approach to fashion, filled with colourful florals and bold pattern clashes. Known for its joyful use of colour, Farm Rio captures Frida’s vibrant spirit, bursting with tropical florals, rich hues and artisanal-inspired patterns, evoking the energy and creativity found through Mexican art and culture.
Dive into the artisan spirit and discover independent designers and brands at Wolf & Badger, a forward thinking global marketplace built on the age-old pillars of skill and craftsmanship, all before heading to Astrid & Miyu’s flagship boutique in Foubert’s Place to explore Frida Kahlo’s love of symbolism and self-expression with its contemporary collections and evil eye jewellery or even to commemorate the day with one of the brand’s signature welded bracelets.
Beauty wise, bring Frida Kahlo’s iconic look to life by experimenting with bold, vibrant colour palettes from MAC, creating a naturally radiant artistic glow with Sculpted by Aimee, or by adding a touch of glamour with Charlotte Tilbury’s award-winning complexion and lip products. From statement lips and colourful eyes to fresh, glowing skin, these beauty brands offer everything needed to channel Frida’s fearless self-expression and signature confidence.
Finally complete the Frida inspired look with bespoke nail art from So.Shell. Known for transforming nails into miniature works of art, the salon’s intricate designs are perfect for embracing Frida’s vibrant aesthetic.
12:30pm: Lunch in Soho: Taste the colour of Latin America
After a morning of exploring and being immersed in Frida’s colourful world, it’s time to continue the cultural journey and stop for lunch. Soho is home to a host of vibrant global cuisines, from the unmatched Middle Eastern flavours of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, serving colourful dishes inspired by the owner’s Syrian heritage, to Señor Ceviche, where the vivid flavours of Peru come to life through fresh ceviche, small plates and cocktails. While the cuisines span different corners of the world, both offer the same sense of colourfully cultural storytelling that permeate the day. A must try is a Za’atar Paloma at Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, the perfectly spiced and zesty nod to Frida, made with Tequilla, za’atar, lime and grapefruit soda.
2:30pm: Walk to Tate Modern
Rather than taking the Underground, enjoy a scenic 25-minute walk to Tate Modern via Southwark Bridge, taking in some of London’s best riverside views along the way.
3:00pm: Discover Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern
At Tate Modern, Frida: The Making of an Icon explores the extraordinary story behind one of the world’s most recognisable artists. Running until 3 January 2027, the exhibition examines how Frida Kahlo carefully shaped her identity through art, fashion and photography, while tracing her journey from acclaimed painter to global cultural icon.
Experiencing the exhibition after visiting Carnaby Street provides the opportunity to appreciate Frida’s artistic legacy, as well as the lasting impact she continues to have on culture and contemporary imagination.
5:30pm: Raise a glass at Vagabond
Following an afternoon immersed in art, head back to Soho for a glass of wine at the newly opened Vagabond Wine on Ganton Street. With more than 120 wines available by the glass through its self-pour machines, it’s the perfect stop to unwind and discover a new favourite before dinner.
7:00pm: Finish with dinner at ALTA
Round off the day with dinner and cocktails at ALTA, in the heart of Kingly Court. The live-fire restaurant brings the flavours and heritage of Northern Spain together with the best of seasonal British produce, perfectly paired with their special ¡Frida Icónica! cocktail ‘La Columna Rota’. After a day tracing Frida’s influence across London, it’s a chance to end the day celebrating with the flavours of Northern Spain and toast one of the world’s most inspiring cultural icons.