In Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith the kimono Queen motif is revisited; this time Keisha Castle-Hughes plays Queen Apailana. Her mourning gown is intended to be reminiscent of Padme’s kimono; she wears it at Padme’s funeral. There are a few changes, however. This kimono appears to look slightly more “Japanese” with its silk gold and purple layers. Once again, an obi is the most prominent Japanese reference. By dressing Castle-Hughes and Natalie Portman in Japanese costumes, specifically kimonos and kabuki face paint, George Lucas is essentially negating the legitimacy of Asians as a people. As encoded in the films, Japanese culture and style is acceptable, fashionable even, but only when it is being tamed by a white actor.

This image is owned by LucasFilm and is used here courtesy of The Padawan's Guide to Star Wars Costumes.