Princess Leia - Hoth Outfit, White Puffer Vest
sw0812 · Star Wars
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back · 2017 (first appeared in 75146 Advent Calendar and later in 75192 Millennium Falcon)
Figure ID
sw0812
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2017 (first appeared in 75146 Advent Calendar and later in 75192 Millennium Falcon)
Rarity
Uncommon/Rare. While she appeared in two sets, one was an Advent Calendar and the other was the flagship $800 UCS Millennium Falcon, making her somewhat exclusive and highly sought after by completionists.
Head
Light Nubian (Flesh) skin tone with a double-sided prints. Side A features a slight smirk, while Side B features an angry/determined expression. Hair is a dark brown elaborate braided bun mold specific to the character (Part 17359).
Torso
White torso with internal printing representing a quilted white puffer vest over a jumpsuit. Features a small Rebel Rank Insignia plaque (silver/red/blue) on the left chest. Arms and hands are solid white.
Legs
White hips and legs with printing on the front. The printing depicts the quilted knee padding and continuation of the flight suit seam lines in light bluish-gray and tan colors.
Accessories
Usually paired with a small black blaster pistol (Part 92738). This specific figure in the image is missing its weapon.
Color Scheme
Primary white with light bluish-gray seam lines, tan/gold quilted details on the vest, and dark brown hair. This reflects the 'Hoth' camouflage necessitated by the ice planet setting.
Printing Details
High-fidelity pad printing. The torso and legs have perfectly aligned seam lines that continue across the hip joints. The face printing uses Lego's modern eye style with white pupils.
Variants
Variations of Hoth Leia exist, most notably sw0113 (2004, yellow skin) and sw0254 (2009-2012, flesh tone but simplified printing). The sw0812 version is the most detailed to date with leg printing.
Condition Notes
Prone to yellowing if exposed to UV light due to the white plastic. Stress cracks can occur at the heel and torso sides. The hairpiece can sometimes leave paint marks on the head nub if removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Current market value is approximately $25 - $35 USD for a used figure in good condition. New/NIB versions from parted-out sets can reach $40+.
Price (New)
Retail cost varied: from $39.99 (75146 Advent Calendar) to $799.99 (75192 UCS Millennium Falcon). The 'price per figure' in the UCS set is high but offset by the set's sheer volume.
Compatible Sets
75146 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2016; 75192 UCS Millennium Falcon (2017); 75203 Hoth Medical Chamber (2018 - though this version lacks the vest).
Character Background
Princess Leia Organa is a leader of the Rebel Alliance. This outfit is worn during the opening scenes of The Empire Strikes Back during the evacuation of Echo Base on the ice planet Hoth.
Design Notes
This figure marked a significant upgrade in realism for Star Wars minifigures, introducing subtle tan shadowing to simulate the 'quilted' texture of her film costume without using a physical fabric piece.
Similar Minifigures
sw0254 Hoth Leia (older version), sw0887 Princess Leia (Endor), and sw1031 Princess Leia (20th Anniversary Edition).
Collectibility
High. Because she appears in the UCS Millennium Falcon (one of the most famous LEGO sets ever), there is constant demand from collectors building 'Crew' displays.
History
Hoth Leia has seen three major iterations since 2004. This version (sw0812) represents the peak of modern detailing for this specific costume before Lego transitioned to the slightly different 'Hoth Medical' variant.
Interesting Facts
The rank badge on her chest accurately depicts the rank of 'Minister' or 'Commander' in the Rebel Alliance, reflecting her high status during the Hoth campaign.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for Hoth dioramas alongside Han Solo (Hoth) and Chewbacca. Looks best inside a 75192 Millennium Falcon cockpit or on a snow-themed white baseplate.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the torso is frequently used for custom female Rebel pilots or Hoth-based MOC characters due to its generic but high-quality tactical look.
Overall Assessment
A top-tier 9/10 minifigure. It offers excellent screen accuracy and remains the definitive 'Puffer Vest' Leia for any Star Wars collection.