Today, we celebrate the birthday of Sabah, the Lebanese legend whose voice and spirit lit up the Arab world. Born Jeanette Gergis al-Feghali in the village of Bdedoun, she rose to fame as one of the most loved and enduring entertainers of her time. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she recorded over 50 albums, starred in 98 films, and became the first Arab artist to perform on some of the world’s greatest stages — from L’Olympia in Paris to Carnegie Hall in New York.
But Sabah was more than a singer or actress — she was a force of personality. Her style was as bold as her voice, turning her into a true diva. Among the many designers who dressed her, William Khoury was perhaps the most famous. For over forty years, she trusted him completely, choosing only the color while he shaped her look. Yet her collaborations with other Lebanese couturiers also helped define her image: glamorous, confident, and utterly unforgettable.
The Red Glam Goddess
Then there’s the fiery red gown — dramatic, glittering, and impossible to ignore. The golden peacock-feather details fan out around her like wings, while her big blonde curls and bright smile light up the room. It’s pure Sabah — bold, playful, and larger than life. She wasn’t afraid of color or sparkle; in fact, she made them part of her signature. This look captures her in her element: confident, radiant, and completely herself.
Sabah’s Iconic Fish-Silhouette Dress by Joseph Harouni
In 1956, on the set of her Egyptian film Ezzay Insak, Sabah appeared in one of her most memorable looks — a black-and-white gown by Lebanese couturier Joseph Harouni, inspired by the silhouette of a fish.
Harouni, whose atelier was located in Beirut’s Starco area, remains somewhat of an enigma today; little is known about him except that he passed away too soon in the 1960s. But this masterpiece kept his name alive — sleek, sculptural, and ahead of its time, it perfectly captured Sabah’s elegance and boldness.
The Most Worn Dress of Sabah’s Career
Designed by William Khoury, this gown became one of the 10 most worn dresses in Arab cinema and one of Sabah’s personal favorites. She first wore it in the 1978 play Shahr Elassal, then again in Lailah Baka fiha el-Qamar, and later during her 1980 Paris concert.
The look was so striking that she kept bringing it back — proof of how timeless Khoury’s designs were and how confident Sabah was in her signature style. This gown wasn’t just a costume; it was a symbol of her stage identity — bold, glamorous, and unforgettable.
Her Legendary Look from the Paris Performance
In 1969, Sabah made history at L’Olympia in Paris, performing before 8,000 people and becoming the first Lebanese singer to take that stage. She sang a Lebanese song in French — a beautiful meeting of cultures that captured her charm and ease.
For the occasion, she wore a custom-made folkloric gown by Madame Salha — richly embroidered, jeweled, and paired with a delicate crown and flowing green veil. It was more than a stage costume; it was a moment that defined her — radiant, fearless, and forever iconic.
Looking Like a Diva
Sabah knew how to make an entrance — even while just sitting down. In this unforgettable look, she’s serving pure ’70s glam: golden thigh-high boots that catch the light, a fringed black dress that moves with every gesture, and oversized round sunglasses that scream superstar.
Her voluminous blonde curls and bold red lipstick complete the diva aesthetic — the kind of look that says she didn’t just follow trends, she set them.
The Black-and-Blue Showstopper
And of course, the unforgettable black gown embroidered with turquoise and gold. The fitted design, paired with matching jewelry and a chic hat, is all elegance and attitude. It’s dramatic yet refined — a reflection of her magnetic stage presence. Standing tall with that unmistakable smile, Sabah looks every bit the star she was: graceful, glamorous, and glowing with charisma.
The Folk Queen Look from ‘Fatinat Al Jamahir’
In one of her most beautiful traditional looks, Sabah wears a richly embroidered gown paired with a sparkling headpiece and delicate veil. The intricate floral patterns shimmer under the light, giving her an almost royal glow.
As we celebrate Sabah’s birthday, it’s impossible not to marvel at how every look she wore became an extension of her larger-than-life persona. Whether she was dazzling on stage, lounging in gold boots, or simply walking into a room, she did it with unmatched flair and confidence. Her style wasn’t just fashion — it was a statement of joy, glamour, and individuality. Decades later, Sabah remains the ultimate diva, proving that true icons never go out of style.
WE SAID THIS: Don’t Miss…Inside Beirut’s “DIVAS” Exhibition: A Tribute to the Women Who Shaped Arab Music