This is not the first time I have made this costume. A long time ago I made a sad, sorry version out of a clothes hanger and model magic. It…it was…well…it was something from the dark side. I really wanted to revisit the outfit one day and do it proper justice. So, after sculpting, casting, molding and painting other costumes in the past, I decided to take another swing at it.

She originally "wanted 25 yards of fabric to be flowing through the scene", but could not make it work. The outfit was first developed in sketches by Rodis-Jamero, assistant art director of visual effects for The Empire Strikes Back and the Return of the Jedi costume designer. The fact that [Leia's costume is] such a female sensual costume, I think is terrific.

We both said at the same time. I went into the bathroom and came out to see her standing on the deck in her new sexy swimsuit. It took my breath away. I felt her tighten the grip on my hands as we suddenly discovered that well over half of the ladies on the beach were topless.