There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you desperately try to recreate at home. in ‘Great dresses in fashion history,’ Fashionista editors are reviewing their favorite skins of all time.
Barbra Streisand is one of the few celebrities who truly embodies the role of an icon, and that extends to her approach to personal style. If there’s one outfit I remember oohing and aahing over as a young woman falling in love with the art of fashion, it’s Streisand’s 1969 Oscar pantsuit worn to accept her Oscar first for “Funny Girl”.
As an attendee and first-time nominee, Streisand was destined to make a splash on the Oscars carpet that year. Her nude mirage of an ensemble surprised not only the general public, but also Streisand herself: In a 2016 interview with Wshe recalls, “I had no idea that when the lights hit that dress, it would become transparent!”
Although it was a bit scandalous for the time, the look certainly overcame past criticism with its classic touches and went on to be remembered as one of the most beloved fashion statements ever made at the Oscars.
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Barbra (center) poses with Jack Albertson (left) and Anthony Harvey (right),
Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Styled by Arnold Scaasi, the outfit consisted of a shimmering blouse and matching bell-bottom pants, embellished with tiny sheer sequins. With a white collar and cuffs and finished with a black satin bow at the neckline, it went on to become the most famous of Scaasi’s career. In his book Women I’ve Dressed and Undressed, the Canadian designer recalled being inspired by a dress he made for Polly Bergen’s nightclub act; he loved its glossy black-and-white effect and wanted to create a custom version for Streisand’s career-making moment. It’s also worth noting that while the controversy over the look rested deeply within her, some of it also came from Streisand being the first actress to wear pants to the Oscars — and then accepting an award in them.
Streisand had kept key outfits until she eventually auctioned them off to benefit the Streisand Foundation, which supports a variety of charities. Winning bid? Arnold Scaasi himself, who sought to create a complete archive of his designs.
In the gallery below, we’ve curated pieces to help you embody your inner “Funny Girl” — though, to be honest, you might not cause quite as much of a stir as Streisand.
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