Did you know the look of Queen Amidala in Episode I: The Phantom Menace was inspired by the last queen of Mongolia?
Her elaborate costumes, intricate headdresses, and regal presence were heavily influenced by Queen Genepil, Mongolia’s final queen consort.
Here’s the full story behind this fascinating connection.
How Queen Genepil Of Mongolia Became An Inspiration For Queen Amidala In Star Wars
Queen Genepil (1905–1938), the last queen of Mongolia, served as an unexpected inspiration for Queen Amidala’s striking look in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
Known for her symbolic and elegant royal attire, Genepil’s style embodied the rich heritage of Mongolian royalty.
Her ornate headdresses, intricate embroidery, and regal presence influenced the designs of Amidala’s costumes, creating a fascinating blend of historical and fictional aesthetics.
One of the most iconic examples is Queen Amidala’s red Senate gown, which features an escoffiate headpiece.
This design incorporated the Royal Sovereign of Naboo medal, a wig styled to mimic guarlara horns with golden hairbands and hairtip ornaments, and a cap adorned with orichalc finework suspensas.
These elements, steeped in Naboo tradition, echo the symbolic richness of Genepil’s attire, particularly the Mongolian sogt headdresses, which were designed to signify power and status.
Genepil became queen at just 19, married to Bogd Khan, the last Mongol Khan, during a time of great political turmoil.
Her life and role as queen were shaped by duty, but her story ended tragically during the Stalinist purges of 1938, a brutal attempt to erase Mongolian cultural identity.
Despite this, her legacy survives, not just in Mongolian history but also through her influence on Queen Amidala’s design in the Star Wars saga.
Fun Fact: The Creation of Amidala’s Iconic Headdress
Let me tell you something cool about Queen Amidala’s stunning Senate headdress—it’s a real work of art.
Designed by the brilliant Iain McCaig and brought to life by costume designer Trisha Biggar and her team, this piece wasn’t just thrown together. They went all out to make it unforgettable.
First, the Escoffiate’s base was made in copper using a process called electroforming. Then, it was gold-plated with actual gold to get that perfect shine and rich color.