Assiut Spotted

Vintage assiut cloth experienced a major style moment in the early 1970s. Antique shawls were coveted by celebrities drawn to the glistening shimmer and provocative transparency that looked fantastic under stage lights. In the 1970s there was a rising nostalgia for the freedom, style, and lust for life of the jazz babies of the 1920s.

Image Right: Publicity still, First Artists via Wikimedia Commons

Assiut Ensemble in “A Star is Born”

In this publicity still for the movie “A Star is Born,” Barbara Streisand wears a stunning assiut dress. She designed this gown, part of a two-piece ensemble, from vintage assiut shawls pulled from her personal collection. As one of the producers of the film, Barbara had the power to make executive decisions.  She chose this look for the pivotal scene when her character was receiving a Grammy award. 

Image Below: Collage of photographs from the 2004 auction catalog “Her Name is Barbara,” published by Julien’s Auctions 

In a slide show entitled “Signature Style: Barbara Streisand,” from the In Style Magazine website, Barbara comments on a 1976 publicity still for the movie: 

“Here I am with Kris Kristofferson in A Star Is Born. I designed the dress: I took a couple of my silver and black shawls and draped them. Isn’t that cool? Slinky, snaky, shiny. I gave myself a little credit at the end of the movie-it just said, ‘Miss Streisand’s clothes from her closet.’ I was made fun of, but it was the truth!”  

From Barbara’s Own Wardrobe

The design of the dress utilizes several shawls cut on the bias which conforms to every curve of her body.  In contrast, the loose drape and flow of the overcoat echos the popular cocoon-style wrap coats that were a favorite of flappers.  The assiut outfit appears in the scene where Barbara as Esther, attends the Grammy awards as a nominee, and ultimately, wins the award for best song.  She takes the podium to receive her award clad in the full ensemble.  Here’s a quick clip from the beginning of the scene before she begins her acceptance speech.  You can really see the move and sway of this glorious ensemble.

Photo Right: Image grab from YouTube clip above.

Sold in a Charity Auction

In the 2004 charity auction “Her Name is Barbara,” at Julien’s Auction House the ensemble sold for $3,600.00.  The auction catalog included these four superb photographs and this description:

“Full-length gown and cape made of silver and black metal mesh … It features a geometric design, spaghetti straps, skirt in two layers, gathered at back, slit at the left side, undergarment sewn into bodice, lined in velvet at décolletage area, zipper and snap closure at back, together with a matching wrap-around full-length cape featuring short sleeves, a body comprised of three sections including two front panels and one back panel, bodice lined in nude chiffon. The stunning ensemble was worn in the film for the scene in which Barbra Streisand as Esther Hoffman wins a Grammy award.”

Image Left: Cover of 2004 auction catalog “Her Name is Barbara” published by Julien’s Auction House in Los Angeles

Life Imitates Art

In a moment of life imitating art, Barbara took the Grammy award for best song for “Evergreen” in real life but choose a more sedate black lace dress at the ceremony.  It’s a totally different look from the stunning dress in the movie.  Image Right: Screen Grab of Barbara from a clip from the 1977 Grammy Awards 

Learn More About Assiut

In 2014 I published my book, “The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut.”  It’s become the definitive history book on the cloth. Learn more about this book or pick up a copy!  It’s available on Amazon or direct from me on my Etsy shop.

Thanks for visiting! 
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Updated July 2021

Curious to see some more of the looks from the movie and hear some of Barbara’s thoughts on the costume choices?