Barbra Streisand's screen-worn dress from her Oscar-nominated role as Katie Morosky in the 1973 romantic drama The Way We Were, directed by Sydney Pollack and co-starring Robert Redford. Designed by noted costume designer Dororthy Jeakins, the cotton plaid dress has a red, gray, black, and gold design, features seven black anchor-design buttons, two large front pockets, and a small collar; the pocket flaps and collar are neatly trimmed with black piping. The dress lacks studio or wardrobe production labels inside, likely because it was custom-made for Streisand and remained in her personal wardrobe upon the film's completion. In fine condition. Accompanied by a brief letter of provenance from the consignor, and a letter of opinion from MEARS Authentication, which includes several screen captures from the film showing Streisand in the dress.
The consignor notes that his mother's friend was involved with a charitable organization in Fresno, California, that raised money for cancer research; she was also a friend of Barbra Streisand, who donated this dress to them for a charity fundraising auction. The consignor's mother's friend purchased the dress at auction, and presented it to our consignor's mother after she was diagnosed with cancer, as she was a huge fan of Barbra's.
Considered to be one of the great romantic films of the 20th century, The Way We Were casts Streisand as a vocal anti-war Marxist Jew during World War II, opposite Robert Redford as an apolitical Protestant. The musical score was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, and featured Streisand's rendition of 'The Way We Were,' which became her first #1 single in the United States. Hamlisch won Oscars for Best Music (Original Dramatic Score) and Best Music (Song), while Streisand was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role; Dorothy Jeakins and Moss Mabry also received Oscar nominations for Best Costume Design for the film, for their work which included this lovely plaid dress. An exceptional piece of Hollywood history, worn on screen by one of the great entertainers of the era.
