Princess Leia’s popular ‘Return of the Jedi’ gold bikini fetches staggering price at auction
The popular gold bikini worn by Princess Leia in the third instalment of the Star Wars franchise, Return of the Jedi, has sold at auction for $175,000.
A version of the costume was worn by the late Carrie Fisher during a scene in the 1983 film when Princess Leia is chained to Jabba the Hutt’s throne after being captured and forced to be a slave.
The item sold was worn by Fisher during screen tests and on set, but didn’t make the final cut after being swapped out for a more comfortable version, according to Heritage’s executive vice president, Joe Maddalena.
The coveted piece of wardrobe was sold by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions following a bidding war among collectors. The piece sold alongside a Y-wing fighter that fought Death Star in A New Hope, which sold for $1.55 million.
Princess Leia’s bikini, which in its entirety includes a brassiere, plates, hip rings, an armlet and bracelet, was originally designed by the chief sculptor for Industrial Light & Magic, Richard Miller, which was founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas.
The bikini, which has become one of the most famous movie costumes of all time, last sold in 2015 for $96,000, per The Guardian. Over the years, Fisher opened up about wearing the costume, admitting that she was uncomfortable and didn’t understand why it had to be a part of the movie.
“When [George Lucas] showed me the outfit, I thought he was kidding and it made me very nervous,” she told NPR’s Fresh Air in 2016, one month before she passed away. “I had to sit very straight because I couldn’t have lines on my sides, like little creases. No creases were allowed, so I had to sit very, very rigid straight.”
Even after Miller altered the piece by building in some softer material, Fisher still wasn’t convinced. “She still didn’t like it. I don’t blame her,” the sculptor said. Adding, “I did put leather on the back of it to help it feel better.”
In 2015, Fisher advised new Star Wars cast member Daisy Ridley after mentioning the ongoing fascination with her coveted costume. She said during a conversation for Interview, “You’re going to have people have fantasies about you! That will make you uncomfortable, I’m guessing.”
While discussing how the label “sex symbol” is often unfairly attached to female action stars in Hollywood, Fisher explained: “You should fight for your outfit. Don’t be a slave like I was.”
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