Ask Margaret
Are the pieces currently on display in “Star Wars and
the Power of Costume” exhibition at the Museum of
Fine Arts in St. Petersburg from the actual movies?
The more than 60 costumes on
display at the Museum of Fine Arts in
St. Petersburg were indeed the actual ones
worn by stars such as Natalie Portman,
David Prowse, Harrison Ford and the late
Carrie Fisher in George Lucas’ first seven
motion pictures of the Star Wars saga.
The meticulously designed, carefully
handcrafted costumes and accessories
are true works of art that imaginatively
combine history with mythology to impart
reality to the Star Wars stories’ fictitious
locations and to help distinguish the
personalities of the dynamic characters
who wore them. The costumes also help
bring to life the narrative of the journey
and challenges faced by the tales’ hero and
shared by Star Wars moviegoers and fans
of various ages and backgrounds.
So yes, you will see the actual costumes
by Margaret Word Burnside
C.L., Carrollwood
and accessories that were worn by the
popular fictional Star Wars characters, such
as Princess Leia, Queen Padmé Amidala,
Captain Han Solo, Darth Vader, Jedis,
stormtroopers and others. You will also
experience behind-the-scenes glimpses of
the creators’ original sketches, drawings,
plans and notes, plus photographs, short
films, interviews and more. “May the force
be with you.”9
If you have any questions about the
people, places or things in the Tampa Bay
area, please send them to “Ask Margaret”
at Tampa Bay Magazine, 2531 Landmark
Drive, Suite 101, Clearwater, Florida 33761.
We regret that not all questions can be
answered.
140 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
EDITOR’S NOTE: “Star Wars and
the Power of Costume,” this excitingly
comprehensive exhibit of iconic Star Wars
costumes, was made possible through a
collaboration between Star Wars creator
George Lucas’ Lucas Film, Inc., his Lucas
Museum of Narrative Art and by the
Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition
Service. It will be on display through April
1st at the Museum of Fine Arts at 255 Beach
Drive N.E. in St. Petersburg. For additional
information and advance reservations, please
visit mfastpete.org or call (727) 896-2667.