Iconic ‘Return of the Jedi’ Bikini Fetches $175,000: Highlights from the Latest Hollywood Memorabilia Auction
A golden bikini costume worn by Carrie Fisher in “Return of the Jedi” recently fetched an impressive $175,000 at auction, highlighting its enduring appeal among “Star Wars” fans. This seven-piece outfit, famously donned by Fisher’s character Princess Leia while she was held captive by Jabba the Hutt, was acquired by an anonymous bidder during a major two-day event hosted by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. The sale, which featured over 500 pieces of Hollywood memorabilia, drew significant global interest.
The bikini, designed by Nilo Rodis-Jamero and crafted by Richard Miller using resin and urethane, has long been iconic in the “Star Wars” franchise, though it has also sparked debate over its portrayal of Fisher’s character. Fisher herself expressed discomfort with the costume in a 2016 NPR interview, stating that it made her feel “nearly naked” and that wearing it was not her choice.
The auction, which concluded with a total of $5.9 million in sales, also saw other significant “Star Wars” items sold, including a Y-wing starfighter model from “A New Hope” that went for $1.55 million. This sale marks it as the third-most expensive “Star Wars” prop ever auctioned, following an X-wing model that sold for $3.1 million and an R2-D2 unit that fetched $2.75 million in 2017.
In addition to “Star Wars” memorabilia, the auction featured other notable items, such as original “Scrooge McDuck” artwork and a wand used by Daniel Radcliffe in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Reflecting on the event, Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, emphasized the strong and continuing demand for Hollywood memorabilia, noting the “intense and insatiable” desire among collectors to own a piece of film history.
The auction’s highlight was undoubtedly the sale of Carrie Fisher’s iconic bikini, which resonated deeply with collectors and fans of the “Star Wars” franchise. The costume’s historical significance, combined with its association with Fisher’s legacy, contributed to its record-breaking price. The fact that it was among the most memorable pieces in “Star Wars” history only added to its value.
In addition to the notable sales from the “Star Wars” universe, the event included a diverse array of memorabilia that captured the imagination of collectors. The model of the Y-wing starfighter, which sold for $1.55 million, serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the original “Star Wars” films. It joins the ranks of other high-value “Star Wars” props, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring popularity and influence.
The auction also featured a wide range of items
from various film genres. The “Scrooge McDuck” artwork, which sold for over $312,000, highlights the crossover appeal of Disney characters beyond just the “Star Wars” universe. Similarly, the Oscar awarded to Celeste Holm in 1974, fetching $93,750, underscores the value placed on film industry accolades. The wand from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which sold for nearly $94,000, reflects the strong fan base for the Harry Potter series and its memorabilia.
Other props, such as the hammer from “Thor: The Dark World” and the sword from “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” also achieved impressive results, showcasing the broad spectrum of interest in Hollywood memorabilia.
The success of the auction illustrates the growing trend of collectors valuing not just the historical significance of items, but also their personal connections to beloved films and characters. Joe Maddalena’s reflection on the “intense and insatiable” desire to own pieces of Hollywood history captures the essence of why such auctions continue to thrive.
Overall, the auction stands as a testament to the power of film and pop culture to create lasting legacies and generate significant interest among collectors. With the continued fascination with film memorabilia, future auctions are likely to see even more remarkable sales and record-breaking prices.
