Princess Leia’s iconic "whorls" were inspired by historical Indigenous cultures and female revolutionaries. George Lucas drew from two distinct earthly sources to create this regal revolutionary aesthetic. The most recognized influence is the "squash blossom" hairstyle, traditionally worn by young, unmarried Hopi women in Arizona. Lucas also referenced the "soldaderas" of the Mexican Revolution, such as Clara de la Rocha, who wore similar coiled hairstyles.
This is our take on the feminine language of hair from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... or from right here in the Southwest.
