Administrator's Cape
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| File:Lando Cape.png | |
| Lando Calrissian wearing his signature cape in Cloud City. | |
| Type | Costume |
|---|---|
| Designer | John Mollo |
| Materials | Wool, Satin |
| First appearance | Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back |
| Last appearance | Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back |
| Current status | Presumed to be in the Lucasfilm Archives. |
The Administrator's Cape is the iconic light blue and gold cape worn by Lando Calrissian during his first appearance in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. It is a key costume piece that immediately establishes his character's charm, sophistication, and status as the leader of Cloud City.
Design and Construction edit edit source
Concept edit edit source
The cape was designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer John Mollo. The goal was to create a look for Lando that was a stark contrast to the practical, utilitarian clothing of the other heroes. The design was meant to evoke the image of a suave, successful entrepreneur and a "riverboat gambler" type, a charming rogue who had made good.[1] The cape, a classic symbol of flair and status, was the perfect garment to achieve this.
Materials & Build edit edit source
The cape was constructed from a light blue wool suiting fabric for the exterior. The interior lining was a custom-printed satin featuring a gold Art Deco-style pattern, which added a layer of hidden luxury. The garment was tailored to have a dramatic flow and drape, accentuating Billy Dee Williams's smooth movements.[2]
Cultural Impact and Significance edit edit source
Lando's cape is one of the most famous costume pieces in the Star Wars saga. It instantly defined his character as a man of style and success, a "class act" in a galaxy of scoundrels. The cape became so synonymous with the character that it became a key element of his identity, featured prominently in merchandise, and even spawned its own "Cape Closet" in the Millennium Falcon as shown in Solo: A Star Wars Story. It represents a type of sophisticated masculinity rarely seen in the rugged world of Star Wars.[3]
Role in the Narrative edit edit source
- Who: Worn exclusively by Lando Calrissian.
- What: It serves as a visual indicator of his status as the wealthy and powerful Baron Administrator of Cloud City. It is a symbol of his success and his seemingly legitimate lifestyle.
- Where: It is worn only on Cloud City, his personal domain.
- When: Lando wears the cape when he is first introduced, greeting Han, Leia, and Chewbacca. He wears it throughout his tour of the city and up until the moment he betrays them to Darth Vader.
- Why: The cape is essential for establishing Lando's character. It presents him as a trustworthy, sophisticated host, which makes his subsequent betrayal more shocking and impactful. It's the costume of the man he pretends to be, not the cornered man he truly is.
- How: The artifact influences the heroes' perception of Lando, causing them to lower their guard. Its elegance and style contribute to the false sense of security they feel upon arriving at Cloud City.
Versions edit edit source
Only one version of the hero cape is known to have been made for the production of The Empire Strikes Back.[1]
Off-Screen History edit edit source
The original cape is believed to be housed in the Lucasfilm Archives. Actor Billy Dee Williams has often spoken about how the cape was essential for him to find the character's smooth, confident walk and persona.[4]
Trivia edit edit source
- The gold pattern on the cape's lining was designed by John Mollo and was unique to the production.
- The cape is briefly worn by Han Solo in a deleted scene from The Empire Strikes Back, a moment that was later referenced in the film Solo: A Star Wars Story.
See Also edit edit source
References edit edit source
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Brandon Alinger, Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy, Chronicle Books, 2014.
- ↑ J.W. Rinzler, The Making of The Empire Strikes Back, Del Rey, 2010.
- ↑ "The Psychology of Lando's Cape". Syfy Wire. Accessed July 12, 2025.
- ↑ "The Scoundrel's Scoundrel: An Interview with Billy Dee Williams". StarWars.com. Accessed July 12, 2025.