'Star Wars and the Power of Costume' Exhibition: Gallery

A new museum exhibit opening this weekend in New York City features dozens of real costumes from the seven “Star Wars” movies. The exhibit, titled “Rebel,…Read More » Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” features items from every corner of that galaxy far, far away, from Boba Fett’s banged-up armor to many of Queen Amidala’s ornate gowns, like those seen here. Click here to read more about the exhibit, which is currently on display at the Discovery Times Square museum.   Less «

A section of the new exhibit focuses on costumes worn by Jedis and Siths, which demonstrate a blend of functionality and simplicity. The exhibit is curated…Read More » by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.   Less «

Some of the most iconic costumes from the “Star Wars” universe are featured at the new exhibit, including the Wookie costume worn by Peter Mayhew, who…Read More » played Chewie, and Han Solo’s simple, Western-inspired getup.    Less «

In addition to the actual costumes, the exhibit features early drawings of the characters and their clothing, to show how ideas turn into realities. Here,…Read More » some early sketches of what a Wookie like Chewbacca would look like.    Less «

The exhibit contrasts costumes from the original trilogy and the prequels. Here, costumes worn by Princess Leia (left) and Queen Amidala (right). 

Visitors to the exhibit get a chance to study some of the franchises’ most iconic costumes up close (like Prince Leia’s simple, white robe), and see details…Read More » that aren’t always visible in the movies.    Less «

Craftsmanship and detail are easy to see in this close-up of a headdress worn by Queen Amidala.

Queen Amidala’s gowns are an incredible display of costume craftsmanship. Early sketches of the gowns, shown next to the physical creations, demonstrate how ideas are turned into reality.

Another classic pillar of the “Star Wars” universe is the outer armor of the bounty hunter Boba Fett. On the right, his costume from the original trilogy. On the left, from the prequels.

The up-close view lets visitors to the exhibit see details of Boba Fett’s armor.

Another close-up of Boba Fett’s armor.

In addition to displaying the actual costumes, the exhibit provides a look at the historical and cultural inspirations for many of the costumes.

Additional features of the exhibit include fabric swatches, particularly for Queen Amidala’s dresses, which are made from both vintage and original materials.

A section of the exhibit displays various soldiers from the “Star Wars” universe, including the orange flight suits (left) worn by pilots in the Rebel…Read More » Alliance. The suits were inspired by the orange jumpsuits worn by some of the Mercury 7 astronauts (see next picture).    Less «

Featured in the “Star Wars” costume exhibit is a photo of the Mercy 7 astronauts, to show how their orange jumpsuits inspired the jumpsuit design used…Read More » for pilots in the “Star Wars” Rebel Alliance.    Less «

American Gothic Sand People.

Yoda’s costume, like the other Jedi costumes, resembles monks’ robes.

Costumes convey many things about a character, and the exhibit curators told Space.com that “Star Wars” is a prime example of this. For example, Darth…Read More » Vader’s costume is industrial and threatening, which reveals much about his character: a man who is dependent on a machine to live, and acts as the muscle for the evil Galactic Empire.    Less «

Other military costumes from the “Star Wars” universe are similar to real-world military outfits.

While the exhibit is mainly focused on costumes, the display at the Discovery Times Square museum features some prop displays as well. 

Perhaps the most restrictive costumes in the “Star Wars” universe were those of the droids C-3PO (left) and R2-D2 (right), worn by two live actors. BB-8…Read More » (which makes its first appearance in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) is not technically a costume, because it is entirely remotely operated.    Less «

A close-up view of many of the costumes reveals beautiful details.

A close-up of R2-D2.

A special feature of the New York installation of the “Star Wars” exhibit consists of costumes from the upcoming film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Here,…Read More » three costumes worn by soldiers in the First Order, a continuation of the Galactic Empire.    Less «

Costumes from the upcoming movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”: (l to r) Finn, Rey, Poe Dameron.