Naboo was a small pastoral world in the Mid Rim, located near the border of the Outer Rim Territories.
“So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause.” Padme Amidala : Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
FOREWORD I have always admired the work that is put in behind the scenes of filming. I especially like the design of Star Wars sets and costumes. In this book I have chosen to focus predominantly on the design of Padme Amidala’s costumes, Throughout the three films she starred in she maintained a large wardrobe of extravagant, ornate and elaborate disguises, dresses and clothes.
Trisha constantly kept with the Imagery of a princess, choosing to keep with tradition rather than comfort. The dresses were also very simple, which were designed to be more practically based. During her time on the films Trisha developed the characters outfits according to events and placement for example dark and loose clothes during pregnancy.
Princess Amidala’s Wardrobe was broken down into nine different attires ranging from royal and action apparel. In this book I have researched material on each different outfit which allows more of an insight into each outfit and in depth detail of how the garments were designed and made.
NA BOO WITH THE TRADE FEDERATION DEFEATED AND NABOO FREE ONCE MORE, A CELEBRATION WAS HELD OUTSIDE THE ROYAL PALACE, WHICH QUEEN AMIDALA ATTENDED. During this celebration, she wore a luminous pale pink ceremonial dress. The silky outfit included a piece of material like that of a banner that hung from her lower neckline. The dress also included a long train of material.
Over this, she wore a cape decorated with pink petals taken from her her home village. Accompanied by this was a aurate fan capped with jewels signifying Naboo fashion. For simplicity she wore a delicate royal diadem and minimal jewelry. Hair was drawn into a unique bun with five cresents in a star shape along the back of her head, and wore small, white pointed shoes. The dress signified her and her peoples happiness at the new found peace.
PADME WORE THIS OUTIFIT DURING A DISCUSSION ON TATOOINE she wore a long, light blue, pleated under-dress that swept along the floor, with an off the shoulder blue, star-shaped poncho over it. This poncho was decorated with bright embroidery in flower shapes on her sleeve with silver along the hem of the sleeve, and an intricate, circular pattern at the bottom of the poncho. Ribbons decorated with beads hung off the lower hem. Her hair was worn down while wearing this loose dress.
TA TO OI NE
AMIDALA WORE THIS IN HER APARTMENT WHILE PACKING HER NECESSITIES FOR HER TRIP. This outfit consisted of a light gray blouse with puff sleeves that were drawn tight at the upper arm to become long sleeves. Silver bands, encircled the sleeves along the upper arm. The pleated skirt was of a darker gray. Over the blouse she wore a high-collared, double-breasted corset of a darker gray material. The front of the corset, where it overlapped, was decorated with fine embroidery, and within the corset was a light armor used for protection. Her hair was done in unique semi-crescent shaped buns on the sides of her head, and she wore a delicate headpiece made of embossed pieces of metal.
SE NA T OR
AC T IO N PADME WORE THIS DURING THE BATTLE OF GENONOSIS
PadmĂŠ could wear more practical clothing. She wore a simple white jumpsuit and a tan utility belt with an off-white shawl, and sported an intricately looped hairstyle which kept her hair out of the way, whilst preparing her for action. During the battle she was attacked in the arena so her outfit became torn. In addition, she wore a silver armband that signified her political service. Her tan-colored boots included light shin armor and a firm grip.
D I SG U I SE WORN DURING THE ARRIVAL ON
The hem of the cape was decorated
While traveling Padmé wore a full
TATOOINE, DESSERT PLANET WITH
with silver motifs. The bottom was
length, large-cowled cloak. It was done
HARSH WINDS AND SCORCHING
accessorized with a tightly-drawn,
in indigo material, It was clasped with
TEMPERATURES.
sash-like top at the waist that was
a simple, curling clasp studded with
decorated in the center with a silver
beads.
She wore a very light blue midriff dress
beaded pendant, with a sash hanging
with silver embroidery. The top was
from it.
wrapped around her, with wide, loose
The dress kept her cool in the heat of Tatooine’s twin suns, while the cloak
sleeves that became a cape behind
She wore two buns on the side of her
was designed to disguised her further
her. The cape was made from Velvet so
head, with the rest of her hair handing
as an inconspicuous traveler, as well
the material was very smooth and an
down. She also wore an intricate,
as protecting her from the harsh suns’
inricate pattern was designed which
delicate metal headpiece.
rays.
shimmered in the light.
GAL A C T IC
WORN WHILE ADDRESSING THE GALACTIC SENATE ON CORUSCANT, QUEEN AMIDALA WORE AN EXTRAORDINARY DRESS THAT EXPRESSED THE MAJESTY OF NABOO FINERY. The underdress was a glossy bright red, with a high collar decorated with ornate gold stitchwork and dangling beads. She wore a maroon cloak over this, with intricate orange hems decorated with fine needlework. The shoulders and bottom of the cloak were smocked in a crimson fabric, and lined from above with a golden, triple-braided soutache. The remainder of the cloak was stitched with embossed rosettes, and sported long, billowing sleeves. Above this she wore a dark, thick, faux fur cloak with wide, exaggerated shoulders. To complement this dress and to make her more visible in the vast chamber, Amidala’s hair was dressed in a wide arc centered by an escoffiate headpiece with golden hairbands to keep her hair’s shape. This arc was decorated with dangling orichalc suspensas capped with golden hairtip ornaments.
PADME WORE THIS WHEN ON HER FIRST OUTING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH ANAKIN. Padmé wore a light, summery dress in a shade of yellow to be romantic and show Padmé’s fun side. The tan skirt of the dress was light, and decorated with tiny, white, stitchwork flowers and olive-colored leaves. Her bodice was a golden shade of yellow, with brightly embroidered flowers, leaves, and scrollery. The full sleeves were tan, and were tied at the lower arm by brightly colored ribbons. Over this she wore a sheer, light cape with flowers similar to those on her corset, with scalloped edges done in bright yellow and green. Her hair was tied behind her by ribbons similar to those on her sleeves, and she wore a green headband decorated with stitched-on flower.
T R A V EL
Loyalist Dress Amidala wore this dress in Chancellor Palpatine’s office after Jedi attempted to assassinate the senator and later involved in a discussion between Anakin Skywalker, The dress also highlighted her new look.
Dinner Dress Worn when on her first meal with Anakin, PadmĂŠ wore a black corset style dress with a black, metallic printed skirt accompanied by a long beaded necklace that ended at her knees.
Revelation Dress This outfit began with a low-cut, glossy purple dress decorated with swirling embroidery. Over this she wore soft, fluffy, dark blue, V- neck cloak clasped with two beaded tassls which she wore on Naboo.
Veranda Nightdress Padme wore this as Anakin revealed his nightmare of her death to her. The glossy nightdress was of a light blue shade, near lavender. It was low-cut, held up by several ribbon straps.
Delegation Dress
Senatorial Dress
Padme wore a long, heavy green velvet dress during the meeting of the delegation in her apartment. The dress also disguised her pregnancy well.
This was a very severe look for padme, a reflection of the news she had heard at the senate, when Palpatine had announced the birth of the Galactic Empire.
Padme’s development as a character is much more closely in line with the film version of the Star Wars universe than almost any other characters.
Peacock Dress She wore this billowy, somber dress when meeting with Chancellor Palpatine to discuss the conclusion that Anakin had held onto to much power and had began to turn to the darkside.
Refugee Gown This was worn during her travels to Naboo, this costume disguised Padme as a young matron from a far system. Underneath the Heavy material was a hair garment with a bronze finish which beamed in the light of the sun.
As her history is primarily linked with the movies there are fewer gaps to fill in for the character, and so outside of her depiction in the movies, her story as told in comics either fills in background details or provides small glimpses into other events in her life. The most defining aspects of her character is her love for Anakin Skywalker as well as a devotion to public life and the common good.
Velvet Cloak
Aqua Nightdress
She wore a simple purple dress almost completely covered by a rich, voluminous purple robe. This was worn when trying to hide her pregnancy from the jedi council.
Padme wore this simple aqua nightdress, decorated with delicate embroidery and pearls. This was work on the night of the raid on the Jedi temple and Anakins fall to the darkside.
This makes it that the events surrounding her life are chaotic when around Anakin, and relatively sedate otherwise. Towards the end of her life she lost faith in both of these beliefs which helped drive her life’s ambitions and goals.
TRISHA
BIGGAR
“I DESIGNED THE COSTUMES IN A WAY, THAT ALLOW THEM TO SHOW THE CHARACTERS DEVELOPMENT IN A VISUAL MANNER.”
The Creative mind behind the following extravagant costumes was Trisha Biggar. Before working on star wars she designed a variety of costumes for a number of theatre, opera and television companies, including a number of BBC production programs. Many people praised her work for her sense of style and individuality and this allowed Trisha to become noticed in the industry.
A few years later she was contacted by George Lucas the Director of Star Wars and was hired to work on the three films. In addition due to some of the creative visuals she made throughout the years, she then became head of costume design at Lucasfilm. Due to Trisha’s work she also earned an award for Outstanding Contribution to Crafts.
Due to Lucasfilm being such a highly regarded company in the Industry, As a result, this enabled Trisha to work with a number of unique materials sourced from all around the world. Trisha was able to develop each characters wardrobe as their story expanded, but out of every character Padmes Amidala’s costumes were the most beautiful and engaging.
TRISHA BIGGAR WAS ABLE TO TRANSFORM THE ACTORS INTO THEIR RESPECTIVE ROLES. ALLOWING THEM TO FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE PART OF THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE.
Trisha designed the costumes in a way which drew you towards Natalie Portman’s character. Natalie was able to portray the character with ease and create a connection with the audience, without being distracted from her garments.
Unfortunatley some of these outfit’s were shown for a brief number of seconds both during the films and deleted scenes but it is the immense amount of detail that is put in which makes me appreciate the work even more.
Trisha created over 40 different outfits for just for one character, Using over 200 different materials and styles.
Trisha is one of the most talented and creative designers seen both on and off screen in decades.
Trisha created the most amazing dresses and costumes for the kings, queens, princesses and senators that one could possibly imagine. She in fact revolutionised the role of Fashion in the Star Wars Saga, introducing a vaiety of colour and designs which call attention to themselves unlike the origional triology where the costumes were very plain.