Yentl Dress & Apron
Barbra Streisand famously wore this Victorian style dress and apron in “Yentl” (1983). The story of Yentl is set in 1873, and this outfit was inspired by day/working/casual dresses from that era. Day dresses like this had high necklines that were either closed, squared or V shaped. One of the fashion trends during this period, were full skirts and high necks with long sleeves. Gowns were made to have curvy silhouettes with emphasis on cinched waistlines. Up to the 1880s, ladies would wear aprons of white muslin with pockets and ruffled edges around the house. This two piece Earth toned, pinstriped, cotton dress features a fitted stand up collar garnished with lace.
It has a heavily boned bodice and puffed sleeves. Lace matching the collar trims each sleeve at the wrist. Decorative fabric covered buttons accent the front and wrists. The matching skirt is pleated at the waistline has an elastic waistband with hook and eye closure. The cotton apron has a bib with shoulder straps & a long back tie. A twelve fold embellishment sits above the thick hem line, and a six fold on the bib. Labels inside read: Bermans & Nathans, 40 Camden St. London, NW1. Additionally typed is, “BARBRA STREISAND, 18375, YENTL.” Nathan’s, established in 1790, was the leading house for historical costume as well as supplying Court dress, military uniforms and fancy dress. From the 1950s to 1980s, the company costumed a cannon of classic movies such as the entire James Bond series, The African Queen, Lawrence Of Arabia, Dr Zhivago, A Man For All Seasons, Cleopatra, Murder On The Orient Express, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Gandhi, Chariots Of Fire and Star Wars. The company was acquired by Angels costumiers in 1992. Films using their costumes have won the best costume design Oscar 37 times. This famous outfit from Yentl sold at auction in 2004 for $3,100.00 USD.
