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The Mexican Revolutionary Women Who Inspired Star Wars’ Princess Leia’s Hair
Real life rebel fighters provided inspiration for an iconic style in one of the most popular movies of all time
There are few popular culture institutions as beloved as the Star Wars movie franchise. Princess Leia, a lead character in a number of the films, is one of the most recognizable and memorable parts of the 12-films series. Her hair, carefully styled into two buns on either sides of her head, is instantly recognizable by practically anyone who has seen her portrayal. However, most people aren’t aware that an inspiration for her iconic look may have actually been bad-ass fighting Mexican Revolution women rebels led by Clara de la Rocha.
Actress Carrie Fischer, who portrayed Princess Leia starting in 1977, was notorious for disliking the hairstyle that made her so famous and came to be a significant representation of the famed movie franchise. Although it was distinct and unique, it was not started by Hollywood magic but actually had its origins in the Mexican Revolution.
Beginning in 1910 and lasting until 1920, the Mexican Revolution began as a movement to overthrow the reign of dictator/president Porfirio Diaz, who was in power for more than 30 years. It later encompassed a wider…
