The gold bikini-style costume that Carrie Fisher wore as Princess Leia in “Return of the Jedi” has sold for $175,000, according to the auction house that handled the sale. The iconic outfit, worn by Fisher at the start of the 1983 film when Leia was captured by Jabba the Hutt and forced to be a slave, was sold by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions.
Joe Maddalena, Heritage’s executive vice president, stated that the costume sold was screen tested and worn by Fisher on set but was ultimately replaced with a more comfortable version for the final cut. The sale of the costume ignited a bidding war among collectors.
Maddalena noted the strong interest from bidders and mentioned that a model of a Y-wing fighter from the original “Star Wars” film also sold for $1.55 million, highlighting the passionate fan bases of “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.”
In a 2016 NPR “Fresh Air” interview, Fisher revealed that wearing the costume was not her choice. She recalled, “When [director George Lucas] showed me the outfit, I thought he was kidding and it made me very nervous. I had to sit very straight because I couldn’t have lines on my sides, like little creases.” Fisher passed away about a month after this interview.
Richard Miller, who created the costume, mentioned in a “Star Wars” box set interview that he used soft material to make the outfit more comfortable for Fisher, though she still disliked it. “I don’t blame her,” Miller said, adding that he lined the back with leather to improve comfort.
The costume had its critics, who argued it sexualized Fisher for the franchise’s male audience. In a 2015 “Interview” magazine conversation with Daisy Ridley, Fisher advised Ridley to fight for her outfit, acknowledging the discomfort of being seen as a sex symbol.
MAY 4, 2023: How 6 ‘Star Wars’ Fans Became a Driving Force Behind Carrie Fisher’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
DEC 27, 2016: Carrie Fisher Through The Years
CALIFORNIA
APR 24, 2023: Carrie Fisher to Be Honored With Posthumous Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Maddalena emphasized the lasting impact of “Star Wars,” saying, “The power of ‘Star Wars’ proves itself again. These movies are just so impactful.”
