Star Wars Celebration: Stephen Lane previews Leia gown, history and props on display
As fans flock to Orlando for the 2017 Star Wars Celebration, memorabilia seekers and fans of Princess Leia will be thrilled to see the “the only Princess Leia dress from a New Hope known to exist.” The Prop Store released information about the gown and CEO Stephen Lane talked with the Global Dispatch about the event.
“We’re presenting some really exciting material from the original trilogy at this show,” Lane began, when asked about the 40th Anniversary of A New Hope and what fans can expect.
“Fans should prepare themselves to see some stunning rare artifacts including Princess Leia’s gown from the medal ceremony at the end of A New Hope – the only Princess Leia dress from A New Hope known to exist.”
Lane then offered up a brief history of the gown, how these items change hands before landing in the Prop Store inventory.
“Many of the props and costumes used in the original films were rented into the production, gifted to crew members and some items (incredibly) were just left in storage and discarded. I acquired the gown a number of years ago after it had been languishing in a plastic carrier bag in an attic for close to 40 years. During that time it had been loaned out for use as a fancy dress costume (please understand that these artifacts have only been regarded as significant and valuable in the last 10 – 20 years) and it was torn, filthy dirty, and had blood (yes really!), wine and food stains on it. I took it directly to one of the top textile conservation and restoration firms in London who spent months cleaning and very very carefully restoring it back to it’s former glory. Amazingly this is the only Princess Leia costume that is known to exist from A New Hope all others are believed lost or destroyed.”
Star Wars Celebration runs from Thursday through Sunday and the Prop Store will be a remarkable booth for fans to visit.
Lane teased: “We have a multitude of exciting items on display including an ILM model miniature Y Wing from Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader tour helmet from Empire Strikes Back, Snowtrooper Helmet and Backpack from Empire Strikes Back as well the original artwork for the Star Wars: A New Hope 40th Anniversary poster artwork by Mark Raats. In addition we’ll have original storyboards, props, artwork and posters that will be on sale.”
Some folks won’t be able to make this event, so “Please head straight to www.propstore.com,” Lane said if you have questions or want to check out their catalog.
“Once on our site you can filter to view the Star Wars artifacts we have for sale by film title. You should also keep an eye on our social media channels for photos and video footage from our booth and the show floor.”
