With an impressive resume of accolades and accomplishments, Barbra Streisand is undoubtedly one of the greatest performers of all time. Her sense of style is equally legendary and powerful. She was recognized by Encyclopaedia Britannica in 1964 as one of the year’s trendsetters in fashion. As for their title, we have to agree! Her fashion ensembles were bold, inventive, and ahead of current trends, and her hairstyles, manicures, distinctive makeup, and way of embracing her nose, despite many people’s (wrong!) comments about its size, were revolutionary. Babs continues to be cited in fashion journals today, serving as an inspiration to both individuals and companies.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of her most famous and important ensembles that have become an indispensable part of fashion — and Jewish! — history in honor of her memoir “My Name Is Barbra,” released on November 7.
Barbra is first seen by the public in the first scene of her feature debut, “Funny Girl,” donning a stylish leopard coat and hat created by costume designer Irene Sharaff. Her opening line, “Hello, gorgeous!” has become synonymous with her outfit. It establishes her as Hollywood royalty and represents her diva position and femme fatale persona. But is that Barbra herself that we see on TV, or is it Fanny Brice?
The actress has frequently been spotted wearing leopard print in her off-screen appearances. She traveled to Paris in 1966, two years before the film’s release, and attended a Chanel fashion show while donning a custom-made hat and a leopard suit. She claimed that the leopard-print pillows she owned at home had inspired her. Hollywood queen Marlene Dietrich sat in the front row next to Broadway and TV star Barbra.
In addition, she donned a leopard coat during the production of her TV special “My Name Is Barbra” in the New York fashion mecca, Bergdorf Goodman, and a leopard costume for the stage play “Funny Girl” one year anniversary.
Barbra, in a leopard print costume, has become ingrained in popular culture because of her on-screen presence and her off-screen persona.
Barbra was flown to Paris in 1966 by Diana Vreeland, the renowned editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, together with photographer Richard Avedon, at the age of 23. They visited Dior’s atelier with Marc Bohan, the creative director at the time, and shot an editorial for the American fashion bible in addition to attending multiple fashion shows. Barbra defied conventional notions of beauty while showcasing the newest designs from French designers such as Madame Grés. The March 15, 1966 issue featured the picture shoot as its cover. She also had numerous appearances in Vogue magazine following that, sporting Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent clothing.
The Paris trip and backstage pictures are featured in LIFE Magazine photographer Bill Eppridge’s book “Becoming Barbra,” which was released in 2017 and has never-before-seen pictures of the young Broadway and TV star. Avedon only permitted Eppbridge to record backstage because the journalist’s silent camera wouldn’t interfere with the shot or divert the renowned fashion photographer. The book features never-before-seen photos of a young Barbra shopping at thrift stores, experimenting with her wardrobe, and trying mink caps to match her coat. It’s clear from the photos that Barbra was establishing the groundwork for her own sense of style.