With Columbia's new collection inspired by Star Wars' Endor, poncho season lasts all year round
Dec 08, 2025
Actress Billie Lourd and the design team discuss Columbia's new Star Wars collection, which includes Leia Organa's classic Rebel poncho and an adorable Ewok fleece sweater.
Recently, deep in the redwood forest of northern California, actress Billie Lourd and her family paid tribute to Billie's mother, Carrie Fisher, during an Endor-inspired shoot for the next Columbia and Star Wars collection.
It was a unique way for Lourd to pay tribute to her mother, who played Princess Leia Organa in the original trilogy, and continue her family's long tradition of Star Wars connections. "Princess Leia, a multifaceted warrior with a power that transcends her gender, who my mother created, has truly stood the test of time and inspires me every day as a woman and a mother," Lourd shared with StarWars.com.
To preserve her mother's memory during filming, Lourd wore one of Fisher's rings. “My mother wore this incredible ring that looks like it glows from within in the last years of her life, and whenever I do something that reminds me of her or feels important, I love wearing it,” adds Lord. “When I put it on and look at it, it feels like she’s next to me somehow.In the Redwoods, I really felt her presence every time I looked at the trees or the ring on my finger."
Since 2016, Columbia and Star Wars have collaborated to create special collections that transform beloved looks from a galaxy far, far away into unique outerwear pieces. When you first look at the newest special collection, which releases on December 11, 2025, the inspiration for the Rebel Alliance's mission to Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is obvious.
C-3PO, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo and Chewbacca on Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
“Endor has always been in our thoughts. The Forest Moon landscape is so similar to the surroundings of Columbia's headquarters in the Pacific Northwest that we knew we had to do it someday,” says Erin Steele, special projects manager for Columbia Sportswear Company. But it was a trip to the Skywalker Ranch that brought the idea to the forefront of designers' minds in recent years. “When we saw the original suits with the camouflage pattern spray painted on, it really motivated us to bring the idea to life.”
The 20-piece collection includes Endor-inspired pieces that reimagine Han Solo's camouflage cape, Rebel uniforms, and Luke and Leia's camouflage ponchos. Endor's influence was easy to translate into the functional pieces Columbia is known for.“The Rebel costumes worked so well with Columbia's down-to-earth aesthetic. This gave us the opportunity to create our first head-to-toe collection,” notes Steele.
Rebel-inspired badge detail and Omni-Heat Infinity lining on the General Han Solo Trench Coat Vest from Columbia's Endor-Inspired Star Wars Collection.
Rebel Alliance pin on the Endor Issue poncho from the Columbia Endor-Inspired Star Wars Collection.
By combining the high functionality of Columbia and the spirit of Star Wars in each model, the design team respected the collaboration of both brands and offered fans something new. “Taking these iconic looks that fans have memorized behind-the-scenes and transforming them into modern, functional outerwear is pure creative alchemy,” said Nicole Alfaro, senior manager of product design at Lucasfilm. “What do you really care about? Watching fans integrate these things into their daily lives. We're honored to combine cinematic nostalgia with real-life utility."
Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) on Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
“These suits are so iconic, especially with the camo print,” adds Steele. “We spent a lot of time creating a custom camo print using spray paint to accurately replicate the original suits.We actually used spray paint to create an exact replica of the print.”
Billie Lourd (center) shows off the Endor Issue poncho from the Endor-inspired Columbia and Star Wars collection.
To further connect the collection to its inspiration, the team invited Billie Lourd and her family to showcase some key designs, including a poncho inspired by her mother's character, Leia. “Watching Mom in Star Wars is like watching a home video,” Lourd shares. “I feel so lucky that I can watch these films when I miss her or when my children ask about her.”
Lourde, who also joined her mother in playing Lt. Cadel Connix in the sequel trilogy, showed off the Columbia collection with her children and recreated some of her mother's scenes from Return of the Jedi. “I’m very grateful that I get to see her in films,” Lourd says. “And being able to have this experience with Columbia in the Redwoods with my husband and kids was so magical it's hard to put into words.”
Lord and the design team have several favorite pieces from the collection, including a fleece jacket and an Ewok onesie. “Of course, the soft Ewok fleeces are a favorite in our office,” Steele shares. “In second place are boots. They combine functionality, intricate details, just the right amount of camo, and don't forget the unique box they come in... This is truly a special item."
“The scene with Leia and the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi is one of my favorite scenes of all time, so as soon as I saw the Ewok onesie I screamed like a three year old! Then my three-year-old daughter put it on and I screamed even louder,” Lourd says. “This is one of the cutest, most cozy things that has ever existed.And the moment she put it on, the biggest smile appeared on her face.”
Another favorite piece from the collection is this tribute to Leia. “My other favorite piece from the collection is this Leia-inspired poncho!” - shares Lourd. “It's so iconic that I wish I lived in a city where it rained more so I could wear it more often. But honestly, it’s so cool that I would wear it on a sunny day!”
This day made a striking impression on Lourdes.
“This experience felt like a gift from [Fisher]—a special memory she sent to me and my family to remind us that she was still with us, even if she was gone,” Lourd says.“Walking through this magical forest holding my child's hand is a memory I will never forget.”
