Veronica Lake's Victory Rolls

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Veronica Lake was a 1940s Hollywood star, instantly recognizable for her sultry blonde waves that covered one eye. Lake reached the height of her career during World War II and women everywhere were trying to replicate her signature hairstyle. This star worship became problematic as women working in factories to help the war effort got their long, beautiful, Veronica Lake locks caught in industrial machinery. Lake had such an effect on what young woman wanted to look like, that the government pressured her to set an example for American women and change her hairstyle. Thus, Lake styled her hair in victory rolls, named after the movements of fighter planes through the sky. Victory rolls were seen as both glamorous and practical and they became an iconic hairstyle during the war.

Celebrities may come and go but their influence remains evident long after their names are forgotten.  Lake's career began to fall apart by the late 40's due to alcoholism and mental illness. She died in 1973 at age 50. Lake's years in the spotlight are commemorated by her films, her star on the Hollywood walk of fame, and her impact on the war effort where she served as pin up girl for soldiers, promoter of war bonds, and style icon for young female factory workers.