Star Wars is a series of space opera feature films created by George Lucas, ranking among the most successful cinematic works in history.

The saga began in 1977 with Star Wars: A New Hope (Krieg der Sterne). By 2025, a total of 14 Star Wars films have been released. The episodes have been seen by over one billion people in theaters alone, generating box office revenues exceeding 10 billion euros. Industry insiders estimate that the organized fan community comprises more than ten million enthusiasts worldwide.

In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired all rights to Star Wars from Lucasfilm for over 4 billion dollars.

Since then, the franchise has continued to expand with new films, series, books, and an extensive range of merchandise.The Star Wars films have given rise to numerous legendary moments, many of which have achieved cult status.

One of the most iconic scenes in film history features Princess Leia (played by Carrie Fisher) in Return of the Jedi (1983). In this scene, Leia is held captive by the criminal overlord Jabba the Hutt, wearing a distinctive metal bikini.
This costume has not only become an unforgettable visual highlight of the saga but is also considered one of the most historically significant pieces of swimwear in pop culture.

The depicted film scene from the Star Wars saga Return of the Jedi shows the crime lord Jabba the Hutt holding Princess Leia captive as a slave in his palace on Tatooine. She is dressed only in a revealing metal bikini costume. The BikiniARTmuseum owns the original from this famous film scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in the movie set, surrounded by actors, fantastic creatures, the director, and camera crews—at the center of it all stands the princess in her bikini alongside an enormous, animatronic slug-like creature.

Princess Leia is chained to Jabba's throne. He treats her with contempt while triumphantly reveling in the admiration of his subordinates. Initially, Leia appears to be in a submissive position, at the mercy of the powerful Jabba and his fierce creatures. But she waits patiently for the right moment: with determination, she seizes her opportunity, wraps the very chain that binds her around Jabba’s neck, and strangles him. Her act of self-liberation marks a crucial turning point in the film, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The famous scene continues to spark controversial discussions about sexism and objectification to this day. As early as 1983, Carrie Fisher criticized the portrayal as a "boy’s fantasy" and accused the filmmakers of undressing Leia simply to make her more feminine. Years later, she advised Daisy Ridley, the heroine of the new Star Wars films: "Don’t be a slave like I was. Fight against the slave outfit!"

‍The Leia Bikini is more than just a costume. It is a cultural symbol that holds different meanings for different generations—ranging from debates on female sexuality and power to reflections on how women have been positioned in Hollywood storytelling by the all-powerful entertainment industry. This ongoing controversy further cements the Leia Bikini as an iconic piece of film history.

The third installment of the original trilogy and the conclusion of the saga tells the story of the final battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire, as well as Luke’s desperate attempt to redeem his father, Darth Vader.

At the beginning, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa (Princess Leia), Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO plan to rescue Han Solo, who is frozen in carbonite and held captive in the palace of the gangster Jabba the Hutt. After a series of dramatic events, they succeed in freeing Han. Leia is captured during the mission but ultimately manages to kill Jabba, allowing the group to escape.

Meanwhile, the Empire has constructed an even more powerful Death Star in orbit around the forest moon of Endor, though it is not yet fully operational. In order to launch an attack, the Rebels must first destroy the shield generator on Endor. In a risky ground mission, Han Solo leads a team that encounters the Ewoks, small furry natives of the moon. Initially wary, the Ewoks later join forces with the Rebels. At the same time, the Rebel fleet launches a daring space assault on the Death Star.

At the heart of the story is the conflict between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Sensing Vader’s presence, Luke voluntarily surrenders himself. Emperor Palpatine attempts to lure Luke to the dark side of the Force, but Luke refuses to submit. In a dramatic showdown, Luke is nearly killed by Palpatine, but Vader’s love for his son ultimately drives him to turn against the Emperor. He sacrifices himself to kill Palpatine.

With the Emperor's death, the Empire is critically weakened. The Rebels destroy the shield generator on Endor, and the Death Star is obliterated. Luke carries the dying Vader—now redeemed as Anakin Skywalker—to safety and witnesses his redemption before he passes away.

The film concludes with a celebration among the Rebels and Ewoks on Endor. Luke sees the spirits of his fallen mentors, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, now joined by the redeemed Anakin. It is a moment of victory, symbolizing the liberation of the galaxy and the hope for a peaceful future.

The gold-brown bikini with a berry-colored skirt was worn by actress Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi(Episode VI). In the iconic scene, Princess Leia is captured by Jabba the Hutt, chained to his throne, and held as a slave.

In 2024, this legendary film costume was auctioned by Heritage Auctions in Dallas and acquired by the BikiniARTmuseum for $175,000 (approximately €160,000 at the time). This made it the second-highest price ever paid for a piece of swimwear. It now stands alongside the ivory bikini worn by Ursula Andress in Dr. No and the golden Réard from 1948 in Paris—both of which are also exhibited in our museum—forming the trio of the most expensive bikinis in history.

The Leia bikini, an impressive testament to cinematic and pop culture history, is one of the most outstanding and media-acclaimed exhibits in our collection.

Leia Organa is one of the most inspiring and powerful figures in the Star Wars universe. As the Princess of Alderaan and a leading figure in the Rebellion, she embodies courage, determination, and royal grace in the fight against the Galactic Empire.

Despite her noble heritage, Leia is not just a leader—she is a warrior. Her connection to the Force and personal struggles serve as a source of strength and hope. Her close bond with Luke Skywalker is ultimately revealed to be a sibling relationship, making her both a Jedi and the daughter of Darth Vader. Her partnership with Han Solo also plays a crucial role, evolving from initial resistance into a deep and supportive relationship.

Alongside Han and Luke, Leia is instrumental in the Rebellion’s success. The friendship and strong dynamic between the three are fundamental to the fight against the Empire. Leia remains a symbol of resilience and unwavering belief in the good, no matter how great the challenges may be.

Carrie Frances Fisher, born on October 21, 1956, in Burbank, USA, rose to worldwide fame and became a superstar through her iconic role as the brave and influential Princess Leia in the Star Wars trilogy.

Beyond her acting career, Fisher was also a successful author and comedian. Her autobiographical one-woman show, Wishful Drinking, was a major success, particularly on Broadway. Additionally, she worked for many years as a script doctor, revising dialogue in screenplays without receiving on-screen credit.

In 2015, Carrie appeared in the British comedy series Catastrophe, earning a posthumous Emmy nomination. Shortly before her passing in 2016, she was also honored with a Grammy Award for the audiobook The Princess Diarist.

Susanna Bonaséwicz (born October 3, 1955, in West Berlin) is a renowned German actress, voice actress, and dialogue director. She became particularly famous as the German voice of Leia Organa in the Star Wars saga, bringing Carrie Fisher’s iconic character to life in the German-speaking world. In addition, she is well-known for her role as Bibi Blocksberg and for voicing actresses like Isabelle Huppert, Isabella Rossellini, and Fran Drescher (The Nanny).

Bonaséwicz began her career in Berlin and took on numerous voice roles starting in the 1970s. She is also a dialogue director and author, responsible for the German-language versions of many films and TV shows.

We are pleased to exhibit here an original autograph from her.

Hans-Georg Panczak has been captivating audiences for over four decades as the German voice of Luke Skywalker in the legendary Star Wars saga. Additionally, he is known for voicing Waylon Smithers in The Simpsons and has lent his voice to numerous other productions, including Family Guy, The Hobbit, and The Waltons.

The BikiniARTmuseum proudly presents an original autograph from Hans-Georg Panczak – a tribute to his extraordinary career and his significant influence on pop culture.




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The Stormtroopers, known for their white armor, are the primary forces of the Galactic Empire. Originally derived from the clone soldiers of the Republic, they serve as loyal enforcers of imperial rule. They symbolize obedience and discipline, often acting as a faceless mass that represents the inhumanity of the Empire. Their duties include suppressing uprisings and enforcing imperial laws. Despite their strength, they also reflect the weaknesses of a power based on blind obedience and fear.