"If you're one of the lucky fans to snag a rare pre-release copy of The Complete Vader book last fall, you may have been intrigued by the cool-looking Darth Vader costume depicted on page 17 -- a costume that appears to have been based on early Ralph McQuarrie concept drawings for the character.
Often mistaken as an early prototype mock-up for the Dark Lord's helmet and chest armor, this particular costume actually never came anywhere near the Star Wars soundstages in England -- rather, this was a Halloween costume fabricated by Star Wars concept designer Joe Johnston for a festive Industrial Light & Magic party in October, 1976!
Artist and former ILM Creature Shop employee John Brosio, who also happened to create a pretty stunning Vader of his own, recently asked Johnston about the fabled "McQuarrie Vader" costume, and its ultimate fate:"
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014: Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.