MOVIE NEWS – Princess Leia’s iconic Return of the Jedi bikini is up for sale in the latest Star Wars auction…

The bikini costume Carrie Fisher wore in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi will be auctioned later this month. Heritage Auctions of Dallas offers the iconic costume and other Star Wars memorabilia as part of its July 25-26 Hollywood Entertainment Signature Auction. Bidding starts at $30,000. However, in the end, it can be up to six figures…

In the 1983 classic, Princess Leia Organa, played by Fisher, is forced to wear skimpy clothing by the thug Jabba the Hutt after attempting to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the criminal.

However, Leia got her revenge on the repulsive villain when she strangled Jabba with a chain attached to his neck. The costume has become as memorable as the “bun hairstyle” she wore in the original 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope.

Heritage Auctions’ listing for “Carrie Fisher ‘Princess Leia’ Production Made Bikini Costume” includes seven costume pieces. These were created by Richard Miller, lead sculptor at Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). The pieces are made of resin and urethane and come from Miller’s personal collection. A letter of authenticity from ILM’s Lorne Petersen and a certificate of authenticity from Heritage Auctions are included. According to the auction description (detail):

“Carrie Fisher’s ‘Slave Leia’ costume is among the most memorable in the Star Wars franchise. Based on designs by Nilo Rodis-Jamero…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 elements, including brown faux suede lining and skirt veils, are recreated for display, as well as the leather cording and wig. Ensemble exhibits age and production wear with hardening of urethane on armlet and bracelet.”

Another production “golden bikini”, worn by Fisher, sold for $96,000 at auction in 2015.

That costume was a more complete version and included a collar with chain links as well as footwear.

The costume was a nightmare for Fisher, who died in 2016, according to her own recollections. However, it has achieved iconic status in pop culture. It is still one of the best-selling costumes on Amazon for cosplayers. Its status is clearly shown by the fact that Jennifer Aniston also wore it in one of the classic episodes of Friends…

Source: Heritage Auctions