Barbra Streisand is best known for her powerhouse vocals, acting prowess, directorial finesse and being an all-round icon in Hollywood. However, something that Barbra Streisand is seldom praised for is her fashion.
Beyond being a chameleon on the stage, Barbra effortlessly has always had an underrated ability to shape shift styles from broadway glamour to bohemian to ’60s mod. And whilst she could assume these various styles, she also very much had a style of her own that included outrageous patterns, silhouettes and textures.
Read on for a look back at 12 ultra-chic fashion moments in Barbra Streisand’s career.
01
1967
Before Stevie Nicks twirled on stage in that iconic bewitching, beguiling black dress with flowing sleeves, Barbra Streisand did it first almost 10 years prior.
Performing live for the filming of A Happening in Central Park in New York, Barbra took to the stage in this flowing white gown.
02
1966
Colour Me Barbra was one of the first television to be shot in colour, hence the name. With this in mind, Barbra opted for outrageous, colourful and sparkly outfits to embrace the wonders of colour television.
03
1969
In 1969, Barbra’s fashion moment became one of the most talked about aspects of the ceremony. Nominated for an Oscar for her spectacular portrayal of Fanny Brice in the film adaptation of Funny Girl, Barbra had two options for the red carpet, play it safe with a traditional Dior gown, or push the boundaries with a gender-defying Scaasi two-piece suit. Barbra, of course, chose the latter.
Though the suit was fabulous and opulent, as she walked on stage to collect the award for Best Actress, the sheer nature of the suit also rendered her buttocks semi-exposed. Though it was indeed shocking at the time, it only catapulted her to further stardom and solidified her as a fashion icon.
04
1968
Not only was Barbra a fashionista off screen, she was one on screen too. In the landmark musical film, Funny Girl, Barbra dons this outrageously chic leopard print coat and matching hat in the opening scene.
It was Barbra’s film debut and we think there’s no better way to herald in such a feat than wearing something as opulent as this.
05
1969
Barbra is the queen of formulaic dressing. A fur trim coat and a matching hat was her go-to look.
07
1969
From a chic fur moment to a ’60s rocker chick look. Barbra was truly a chameleon not just in her career, but also in her approach to fashion. In an that could be mistaken for a Pattie Boyd moment, Barbra wears a dagger collar blouse, a vest and a pair of knee-high boots with a black hat.
08
1967
Sometimes an outfit just needs an outrageous hat. This is one of those times. Performing on the CBS television special The Belle of 14th Street, Barbra exudes elegance and opulence in a black evening gown, a feathered shawl and an oversized hat.
09
1969
It’s clear to see why Barbra Streisand was Fran Fine‘s style inspiration. Here is Babs during the filming of the 1970 film On A Clear Day You Can See Forever wearing a gorgeously coordinated hat and coat.
10
1968
Barbra Streisand experimented with fashion when she wore coordinated patterns again on the set of Hello Dolly in 1968 when she wore this pink plaid coat and matching skirt.
11
1975
On stage in the 1975 musical Funny Lady, Barbra wore this mind-bending Bob Mackie design. Featuring a bejewelled choker, and a sheer, crystal embellished bodice, this is one of Barbra’s most memorable and boundary-pushing looks.
Babs isn’t the only one to have had Bob Mackie on speed dial. Cher famously called up the designer to create her Oscars ‘revenge dress’ in 1986, too.
12
1969
Barbra Streisand proved that cold weather doesn’t thwart a great fashion moment. She acquired this extravagant custom fox fur coat and matching hat in the mid 1960’s and wore it on numerous occasions including here in 1969 where she paired it with an iconic Gucci Jackie bag. One of the pockets of this coat is said to include ‘Barbra’ embroidered into the satin lining.
This jacket and hat sold at auction in 2004 for US$2,150 at the time.
