Princess Leia’s RETURN OF THE JEDI Bikini Is Going Up For Auction
Image: Lucasfilm
One of the most famous costumes from the Star Wars galaxy is heading to auction later this month. Heritage Auctions is selling the iconic bikini worn by Princess Leia in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, along with several other pieces of Star Wars memorabilia during the Hollywood Entertainment Signature Auction July 25-26.
The starting bid for the skimpy ensemble worn by Carrie Fisher in the 1983 film starts at $30,000, and it is described in the auction catalog as a “production made bikini costume from [ILM chief sculptor] Richard Miller.” It comes with the following: bikini brassiere, front and back “bikini plates,” two hip rings, one armlet, and one bracelet, all crafted by Miller in collaboration with Return of the Jedi costumer designer Nilo Rodis-Jamero.
Image: Heritage Auctions
The pieces are made of resin and urethane, and come from Miller's personal collection. A letter of authenticity from Lorne Petersen of ILM and a certificate of authenticity from Heritage Auctions is included.
Here are a few more details from the auction catalog: “The bikini brassiere is the early version crafted of rigid resin and is production used, as evidenced by eye hook on-set repair and glue residue on the interior surface from attempts to add material to make it more comfortable for Fisher.” The textile parts of the costumes and the wig are recreations, and the “ensemble exhibits age and production wear with hardening of urethane on armlet and bracelet.”
Image: Heritage Auctions
Fisher reportedly did not enjoy wearing the revealing costume during production of the film. “Dignity was out of the question,” Fisher said of the costume she wears in the early sequences of the film as she and Han Solo are freed from captivity from the gangster, Jabba the Hutt. While the costume may have been a nightmare for Fisher, it has obtained an iconic status in pop culture. It is still a top-selling costume on Amazon for cosplayers.
Another production-used "golden bikini" worn by Fisher sold at auction in 2015 for $96,000. That costume was a more complete version, and included a collar with chain links, as well as footwear.
Visit the Heritage Auctions website before July 25 to bid on this piece of Star Wars history.
Marena Bronson is an award-winning journalist, a life-long nerd, and the Editor-in-Chief of Fashion and Fandom. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
