A gold bikini worn by actress Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in the 1983 film “Return of the Jedi” has been sold for $175,000 at an auction of Hollywood memorabilia hosted by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The seven-piece costume, considered one of the most memorable in the Star Wars franchise, includes a bracelet, two hip rings, an armlet, a bikini brassiere, and two bikini plates. The version sold was an early iteration used for screen testing and not the one seen in the final film.
“I’ve said it repeatedly: Collectors’ desire to own a piece of Hollywood history remains intense and insatiable, and we take great pride and pleasure in sharing these indelible moments,” saidJoe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions.
The costume, worn by Leia during a scene where she is enslaved by Jabba the Hutt, has become a significant cultural reference point, often appearing in TV shows and movies like “Friends” and “Family Guy.” Despite its iconic status, the outfit has sparked controversy over the years, with criticisms that it sexualized and objectified the character. Actress Carrie Fisher expressed her discomfort with the costume, noting that it left her “nearly naked” and required her to sit very straight to avoid creases, which were not allowed. Fisher, who passed away in 2016, advised actress Daisy Ridley, who starred in “The Force Awakens,” to “fight for your outfit” and avoid being “a slave like I was,” highlighting her continued criticism of the costume.
