Two sketchbooks filled with the original ideas and scribblings for the costumes of the Star Wars universe will go up for auction December 11, and they’re likely to fetch at least $300,000. According to a story in Esquire, Bonhams in London will be selling the works of the late John Mollo, who served as costume designer for both A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, winning an Oscar for the former.
Mollo was a military historian, a fact that appealed to George Lucas. As Katherine Schofield of Bonhams described, Mollo’s source material ranged “from magazine adverts to military costumes to western films.” Inspirations like those led Mollo to some of Hollywood’s most famous stylistic flourishes, like Darth Vader’s helmet.
Mollo memorably accepted his Star Wars Oscar alongside actors wearing his stormtrooper, Vader, and Princess Leia designs.
Inside the books up for auction are early sketches of Vader, Chewbacca, and the stormtroopers, according to Esquire.
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