Styled Archives: Fairuz’s Most Elegant Moments

Fairuz, born Nuhad Haddad in Lebanon, is a legendary singer and cultural icon whose voice has enchanted millions across the Arab world and beyond. Often referred to as ‘The Voice of Lebanon’ or ‘The Bird of the East,’ her career spans over six decades, making her one of the most enduring and beloved artists of all time.

Born and raised in Beirut, Fairuz's music is deeply rooted in Lebanese culture, and so is her fashion. She often wore traditional Lebanese garments, such as the thawb (a long, loose-fitting dress), with a contemporary flair. Fairuz's style was characterised by its elegance, as she often opted for understated looks, relying on quality fabrics and clean lines to make a statement. Yet, her Lebanese roots still gave an unexpected flair with sequins, crowns, and headpieces.

Performing Ya Khalilaya | 1966

This song is one of Fairuz's most beloved, and she commemorated the performance by wearing gorgeous traditional Lebanese attire: a shimmering dress and headpiece with embroidery and a white veil. 

At the Near East Radio Studio, Beirut | 1955

Fairuz's career began at Radio Lebanon, where she was given the stage name Fairuz by Halim El-Roumi. She marked her beginnings with a short, dark bob and a neck scarf that exuded youthful charm.

El Maw3ed Cover | 1978

At the peak of her career in the late 70s, Fairuz looked like a true queen in feisty red, statement earrings, and a bejewelled crown as she starred on this magazine cover, showcasing extravagant Lebanese fashion.

Bint El Hares Movie | 1968 

In her most popular movie role to date, Fairuz played a preppy school teacher, rocking a red and white polka dot tie and a navy shirt.

Performance at American University Auditorium, Dubai | 2001 

In one of her biggest productions to date, Fairuz performed with a 40-member orchestra, opting for a stunning black dress with embroidered fabric and a cinching waist tie.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to her home in Rabieh | 2020

During his visit to Lebanon, Macron had dinner with Fairuz at her home in Rabieh. He bestowed upon her the title of Commander of the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit. For this legendary moment, Fairuz wore a flowy, printed dress and a traditional hair-scarf.

At the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt | 1989 

Fairuz's iconic performance at the Giza pyramids in 1989 marked her final concert in Egypt, and she did it in style, wearing a black and white striped top with a matching headband. 

In Frédéric Mittérand's documentary ‘Fairouz’ | 1998

In this documentary, Fairuz discussed her marriage to Assi Rahbani and revealed intimate secrets, all while epitomising elegance in all black with a lengthy pearl necklace.

Receiving an honorary doctorate from American University of Beirut | 2005

“Ya Fairuz, hibbaynaki fi saif, hibbaynaki fi shiti. Rah nhabbik da’iman,” were the concluding lines John Waterbury said at the end of his speech introducing Fairuz. The American University of Beirut awarded her an honorary doctoral degree, the first singer to receive this honour from the university. For this special moment, she wore a graduation cap and gown like a true student.