Veronica Lake, 14 Nov 1919 - 07 Jul 1973 Search this
Medium:
Color photolithographic halftone poster
Dimensions:
Sheet: 108 x 75.9 cm (42 1/2 x 29 7/8")
Type:
Print
Date:
c. 1945
Exhibition Label:
The Woodbury Soap Company's innovative 1911 slogan, "A skin you love to touch," focused on the consumer, not the product, and introduced sexual undertones to enhance the appeal of a basic face soap. In this 1940s "stand-up" poster for a drugstore window, Woodbury, still marketing with sex appeal, chose the actress Veronica Lake to promote its makeup. A successful leading lady for Paramount, Lake was one of Hollywood's darlings at the time. She was already a trendsetter; her blonde "peekaboo" hairstyle had launched a fashion craze for eye-covering curls. Here, in order to focus attention on her complexion, there is only a hint of an errant wave. With soft, peach-colored petals in the background to match the actress's exquisite face, and with Lake's plunging black tulle neckline, the ad promises the Woodbury consumer not only delicate femininity but also a touch of naughty Hollywood glamour.
