The long, white dress famously worn by Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in the final scene of the original 1977 “Star Wars” movie, titled “A New Hope,” was once believed to be lost forever, presumably destroyed after the film’s production. However, to everyone’s surprise, the iconic dress has recently been discovered in an attic in London and will soon be up for sale at a live auction. Experts estimate that it could fetch as much as $2 million, thanks to the interest and demand from avid collectors and fans of the franchise.
In the film, Princess Leia dons the elegant dress, which is a ceremonial gown made from lightweight silk and adorned with a silver belt, during a momentous awards ceremony. In this scene, the Rebel Alliance leader honors her comrades, Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford) and Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill), with well-deserved medals following the successful destruction of the Death Star.
Surprisingly, the dress was thought to have been destroyed after the movie’s completion. According to Brandon Alinger, the chief operating officer of Propstore, a company specializing in the sale of film and TV memorabilia, it was common practice in the 1970s for costumes to be either destroyed or returned if they were merely rented. Saving such materials wasn’t the highest priority during that period of filmmaking.
Fortunately, the dress managed to escape its intended fate. A crew member on the set recognized its significance and decided to hold onto it. Over the years, the dress remained stored, until it resurfaced in an attic at the crew member’s London home. However, when initially discovered, the dress was in a considerably deteriorated condition.
To restore the dress to its former glory, textile conservators in London dedicated eight months of meticulous work. They carefully removed accumulated dust and dirt, while expertly restitching open seams. Brandon Alinger describes this restoration process as painstaking work, involving individuals bent over with magnifying lenses, studying and filling minuscule holes with matching materials.
The dress itself was conceived by John Mollo, the talented costume designer who even won an Academy Award for his outstanding work on “Star Wars” in March 1978. Its significance cannot be overstated, as it represents the final visual imprint left on viewers’ minds from the original film. For any devoted “Star Wars” fan, this dress serves as a powerful symbol, evoking a deep emotional connection.
The final scene of the movie is notable for its silence, except for the guttural noises emitted by Chewbacca, Han’s loyal Wookiee co-pilot, and the beeps from the droid R2-D2. As the leading characters, Luke and Han, proceed down a long corridor, they are greeted by an assembled crowd attending the ceremony. Princess Leia gracefully places the medals around their necks, prompting Han and Luke to bow before her. Subsequently, they turn to face the audience, receiving applause for their heroic deeds.
The auction for the Princess Leia dress commenced on May 31 with online proxy bidding, starting at $500,000. An absentee offer of $750,000 has already been submitted. Bidders have the option to participate online or in person at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Alongside the dress, the auction includes over $12 million worth of TV and film memorabilia, with notable items such as a shield worn by Brad Pitt in the 2004 movie “Troy,” where he portrayed the main character, Achilles.
In conclusion, the unexpected rediscovery of Princess Leia’s dress from the original “Star Wars” movie has sparked excitement among fans and collectors alike. Its remarkable survival, meticulous restoration, and upcoming auction have revitalized interest in this iconic piece of cinema history. As the dress takes its rightful place on the auction block, it signifies not only the vestige of a beloved character’s legacy but also the lasting impact of the “Star Wars” franchise on popular culture.
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