Styled Archives: Carole Samaha’s Onstage and Off-Duty Looks

Carole Samaha embraced theatrical glamour at the opening ceremony of the Lebanese Tourism and Shopping Festival in Beirut, wearing a fitted emerald-green velvet gown with an off-the-shoulder portrait neckline. Draped gathering across the bodice and wide bell sleeves gave the silhouette a distinctly operatic quality, while her voluminous dark waves and bold lip kept the styling classic. With minimal jewellery drawing attention to the neckline, the rich velvet did most of the talking.

For an appearance in Dubai, Samaha kept things pared back in a fitted black crewneck top and coordinating dark cardigan, adding a metallic chain belt at the hip for a touch of early-2000s edge. Her auburn bob, styled with a deep side part, brought warmth to the monochromatic outfit, while understated makeup let the silhouette and statement accessory take centre stage. It was a more relaxed take on the polished pop-star wardrobe.

Samaha took a sharper approach to stagewear in an all-black look built around an asymmetrically embellished neckline and separate black sleeves extending up her forearms. The metallic detailing added sparkle to the otherwise dark ensemble, while her long auburn waves, smoky eyes, and multi-strand shoulder-duster earring brought the glamour. The result balanced sleek eveningwear with a more theatrical, almost futuristic finish.

For her role in Mansour Rahbani’s musical Zenobia, staged at Byblos Ancient Theater, Samaha stepped into a warrior-queen aesthetic. A fitted black faux-leather bodice covered in metallic studs was paired with an armoured forearm sleeve, a cross-body leather harness, and a flowing black maxi skirt. A sword completed the costume, while her dark fringe and smoky stage makeup sharpened the look. Drawing on the production’s historical subject, the ensemble leaned into armour, leather, and strong silhouettes rather than conventional stage glamour.

At a Cartier-hosted cocktail reception at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, Samaha returned to classic eveningwear in a fitted black gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline and broad shoulder straps. Textured embellishment across the bodice added subtle dimension, while chandelier earrings brought a touch of sparkle. Voluminous brunette curls and smoky eyeliner completed the look, striking a balance between timeless red-carpet dressing and the glamour of the occasion.

Behind the scenes of her We T’awadet music video, Samaha traded formal stagewear for a more casual, rock-inspired look. A sleeveless grey graphic tank and dark blue jeans formed the base, while knee-high black patent Juicy Couture boots with bold white lettering gave the outfit its standout detail. Stacked metallic bracelets and smoky eye makeup carried the styling through, turning an otherwise straightforward combination into a distinctly early-2010s pop look.

For an outdoor photoshoot, Samaha opted for a relaxed, utilitarian silhouette in an olive-green shirt dress with button detailing, rolled-up sleeves, and a curved hem. Rugged brown lace-up ankle boots reinforced the practical feel, while stacked bracelets and a simple pendant necklace kept the accessories understated. The earthy palette and easy proportions offered a softer counterpoint to the elaborate costumes and evening gowns elsewhere in her archive.

For promotional imagery tied to her album Zekrayati, Samaha returned to darker, more fitted styling. A black bodycon top with sheer mesh sleeves was paired with fitted dark trousers and heeled stiletto boots featuring buckle details. Her voluminous, side-swept caramel-blonde hair and smoky eye makeup brought a familiar dose of pop-star glamour, while the monochromatic palette kept the look sleek and focused. It was a moodier take on the stage-ready aesthetic that had followed her throughout her career.