Princess Leia’s Iconic Bikini From RETURN OF THE JEDI Sells At Auction For $175,000
Image: Getty
It’s one of the most iconic costumes in movie history, and it just sold at auction for $175,000! The infamous “slave Leia” costume worn by the late, Carrie Fisher in Return of the Jedi sold at a Heritage Auctions sale of Hollywood memorabilia recently to an unknown bidder. The 7-piece costume — which also includes hip rings, a bracelet and arm rings was worn by Fisher during screen tests to see how the outfit would look on film. A cloth skirt was also included in the auction, although it’s a recreation for display purposes and not original to the 1983 production.
Image: TJ Roth/Sipa USA/AP
The costume has become a cult favorite among some Star Wars fans, but Carrie Fisher wasn’t a fan, telling an interviewer in 2016 that she thought Star Wars creator and Jedi producer George Lucas “was kidding” when he showed her the costume.
“He showed me sketches to frighten me into exercise, I think,” Fisher said. “He succeeded.”
The costume was created by costume designer, Aggie Guerard Rodgers and sculpted by Richard Miller. It was said to be inspired by the works of fantasy illustrator, Frank Frazetta. In a behind-the-scenes interview Miller said the “skimpy” costume was intended to show how Fisher’s character had grown during the original trilogy . The costume is made of resin, although a rubber version was used for stunt sequences.
Other notable pieces of memorabilia that also sold in the recent Heritage Entertainment Auction include a 27.5-inch Y Wing model from Star Wars ($1.55 million); Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer) from 2013’s Thor: The Dark World ($81,250); and original poster artwork by Robert Peak for 1986’s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home($106,250).
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.
