The Fate of Princess Leia's Slave Outfit: Myths and Facts

In the grand tapestry of Star Wars, the iconic slave outfit worn by Princess Leia in The Empire Strikes Back has captured the imaginations of fans for decades. However, the question of what became of this wardrobe remains ambiguous. Did she burn it, throw it into space, or keep it as a memento?

Various Theories and Theories

There are several fan theories about what happened to the slave outfit, but in the official Star Wars narrative, the fate of the outfit is left ambiguous. One popular theory speculates that she kept it, hoping to wear it in front of Han Solo on their wedding night, a fantasy that the audience might easily relate to. However, the official canon offers no confirmation, and it remains a mystery.

Another theory suggests that Princess Leia destroyed the outfit. In the expanded universe, we hear tales of her victory over Jabba the Hutt, with Rinnrivin Di praising her as the Huttslayer. The battle against Jabba, a symbol of slavery, likely carried significant symbolic weight for Leia. As such, it's reasonable to assume that she might have destroyed the outfit to mark the end of her captivity.

No Mention and No Significance

In the films, the slave outfit is shown only in the scenes with Jabba the Hutt. After these scenes, it is never mentioned or shown again. Given its insignificant role in the overall plot, it's understandable that the original costume didn't play a part in subsequent films.

An Official Destruction?

According to various sources, Princess Leia likely destroyed the outfit after the event. A pivotal scene shows Leia's warrior spirit and victory over Jabba, which earned her respect and admiration across the galaxy. It seems fitting that she would destroy the outfit as a symbol of her liberation. As she said to Rinnrivin Di, her actions were recorded and remembered, and the title Huttslayer was a greater title than any political office could offer.

Outside the Universe

Outside the Star Wars universe, many interesting theories and facts surround the slave outfit. Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, was not a fan of the costume and often disparaged it. She described it as uncomfortable and high, particularly during the hot and dry African desert where much of the filming took place.

After the original costumes were used on set, they were returned to the ILM model shop and replaced by slightly altered versions due to Carrie Fisher's weight loss during filming. This hints at the physical demands of wearing such an elaborate costume. However, it's known for certain that the slave outfit eventually made its way to an auction, where it commanded a price of $96,000.

Interestingly, the slave outfit auction did not yield the highest bid, as a miniature model of Princess Leia's first flying vessel ever seen in a Star Wars film sold for a record $450,000. This underscores the cultural significance of the Star Wars franchise and its iconic moments.

Lasting Legacy

Despite its brief appearance, the slave outfit continues to captivate fans and historians alike. The outfit's place and fate are a testament to the enduring impact of The Empire Strikes Back and Princess Leia's character.

So, to answer the question: the slave outfit was indeed sold and is probably being worn by some rich and old fan while recounting the tales of Princess Leia's legendary victory! As for the details of its destruction, we can only speculate, but the memories and the respect Leia earned remain eternal.