An auction has been held for the iconic gold bikini-style costume worn by Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in “Return of the Jedi” franchise. It was sold for $175,000 through auction. One of the most popular and valuable costumes is the one featured in opening scenes when Leia is presented with Jabba’s captive on Tatooine in 1983.
According to Joe Maddalena, Heritage Auctions’ executive vice-president situated in Dallas, the costume sold was simply a version screen-tested by Carrie Fisher but eventually replaced by a more comfortable option during final cut.
However, this did not prevent it from becoming a much contested item at a bidding event where collectors are present.
Maddalena expressed little surprise at the high level of interest in both the costume and a model of a Y-wing fighter from the original “Star Wars” film, which sold for an astounding $1.55 million.
He attributed this to franchises “Star Trek” and “Star Wars,” since their fans are very loyal: “The power of ‘Star Wars’ proves itself again. These movies are just so impactful.”
In an interview with NPR’s “Fresh Air” last year, Carrie said that she would not have chosen to wear that outfit. She said, ‘When (director George Lucas) showed me the outfit, I thought he was kidding. And it made me very nervous,’ she said before her death last month. While sitting straight because there should be no lines on sides like these little creases. So there were no creases allowed, so I had to sit very rigidly erect.”
Richard Miller who worked as chief sculptor for Industrial Light & Magic creating this costume told us about how he wanted to use soft materials which would allow Fisher some freedom while moving around on stage during an interview included in Star Wars box set. “Still didn’t like it though; I don’t blame her,” he added noting that he put leather on its back in order to make it feel better.
Some critics felt that the costume sexualized Fisher for its largely male audience.
In a 2015 “Interview” magazine article, Carrie Fisher told Ridley, the actress Daisy who starred in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, that people would fantasize about her and that she should resist being seen as a sex symbol by saying ‘fight for your outfit.’
