Here’s a picture of John Mollo’s costume sketch for Obi-Wan’s Tatooine farmer outfit:
As you can see, it’s basically a variant on Luke’s outfit, along with a utility vest with lots of pockets.
Contrast this with Mollo’s design for Ben Kenobi’s Jedi robes. At this stage, the robes were to be fairly elaborate, with a silver tassel hanging from the end of the hood on his cloak – befitting the idea that Ben had kept his “Jedi uniform” stored away for a long time.
Presumably the extra costume for Obi-wan was a casualty of the budget cuts that impacted the production around the time the fourth draft was written at the start of 1976. And if that hadn’t happened, SW Internet forums wouldn’t have so many debates about why Ben is supposedly wearing “Tatooine farmer robes.”
That is pretty cool, and makes a lot of sense, but I have to say; Ben’s first appearance might not have been quite so “mysterious” if he’d just been dressed as Luke. I know he’s technically still just wearing some simple robes, but the hood definitely adds to the moment (e.g. the musical cue as Ben removes his hood and looks at Artoo).
It’s at least nice to see how Lucas could make something good out of compromises back in his pre-fame/CG days.
Also, where did you get these pictures?
Also, here’s another early Leia costume design with a Flash Gordon-esque feel to it;
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Any idea what draft of the script this is from?
(As well as where I might find it in a higher resolution.)