One of the most memorable costumes in cinematic history, Princess Leia’s gold bikini from “Return of the Jedi,” has been sold for an impressive $175,000! This iconic outfit, worn by Carrie Fisher, includes a brassiere, arm bracelet, wrist bracelet, and waist plates. It was offered by Heritage Auctions and remains a significant piece of “Star Wars” lore.
Worn during the scenes at Jabba the Hutt’s lair, the gold bikini has sparked much discussion over the years. Critics have debated its impact on the portrayal of Leia’s character, with some viewing it as reductive for the otherwise assertive and strong princess. Carrie Fisher herself was reportedly not fond of the costume, recalling how she thought George Lucas was joking when he first showed it to her.
Designed by costume designer Aggie Guerard Rodgers and sculpted by Richard Miller, the bikini drew inspiration from the works of fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta. Made of resin for the film, a rubber version was also created for stunt sequences. This recent sale follows another auction in 2015, where a bikini used in the actual filming sold for $96,000.
Despite the controversies, Princess Leia’s gold bikini remains an iconic and beloved part of “Star Wars” history, continuing to capture the imagination of fans and collectors alike.
Please note that I’ve used a picture I took at Montreal Comiccon 2019 for this post.
[Via MF]