Barbra Streisand wore a lavender, ruffled ‘Matej for Odette Barsa’ brand robe in the July 25, 1967, LOOK magazine story, titled Mama Barbra. The magazine bragged that they had the “first color photos of Funny Girl with her baby son,” (Jason Gould), who was born on December 29, 1966. The story featured numerous photos of Barbra and her husband Elliott Gould at home, enjoying life together as a new family. In the interview, Barbra reflected on motherhood, saying, “My son, what a marvelous phrase. What a total accomplishment. I loved being pregnant. I felt productive for nine months. If I were a queen, the country would never find fault with me. I produced an heir.”
Inside the issue
The ruffled robe that Barbra wore in these photos was designed by Odette Barsa, whose designs were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Her pieces were detailed and luxurious, and were most often made with imported embroidery and fabrics. Her signature designs almost always included a beautiful peignoir over an elegant nylon nightdress. Though they were not specifically designed to be, the flowing cut of Odette Barsa’s nightgowns and robes made them super easy to convert into maternity or nursing wear. Women could buy the brand at Bonwit Teller, Neiman Marcus & other high-end stores. That likely is where Barbra found hers since she frequently shopped off the rack. Her romantic lavender robe featured more than 40 rows of cascading ruffles, a jewel neckline accented with a self-tie bow, and hidden interior snaps for front closure. The matching nylon nightgown featured delicate pintuck pleating at the bust, a scalloped lace-trimmed neckline, and two tiny bows accenting the tank straps. Additional scalloped lace and bows adorned the hem.
Although this robe set was auctioned in 2004, it is back in Streisand’s possession today. It can be spotted hanging in her closet in the 2010 book My Passion for Design, where she writes, “I like all these fine laces and cottons and silks…dresses…robes….combing jackets. All in pastel shades–pink, peach, and off-white. P.S. I bought the lavender robe of ruffles when I was pregnant with my son, Jason.”
The robe fits seamlessly into her collection of antique clothing, and although it is more modern than the other pieces, its romantic lace and ruffles give it the same timeless, heirloom quality.
Sources:
(1967, July 25). [ Mama Barbra]. LOOK.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/barbra-streisand-nursing-outfit
Streisand, B. (2010). My Passion for Design. Penguin.
