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BEIRUT: “Diva: From Umm Kulthum to Dalida,” a multimedia exhibition put together by the Arab World Institute in Paris, arrived in Beirut after a run in Paris, Amsterdam and Amman, to pay tribute to the legacy of the greatest divas of the Arab world and to celebrate their enduring impact.

The exhibition at the Sursock Museum is divided into four main parts charting musical icons in the 1920s, 1940s, 1970s and the contemporary era.

Renowned singers including Umm Kulthum, Warda, Fayrouz, Asmahan, Laila Mourad, Samia Gamal, Sabah, Taheyya Kariokka, Hind Rostom, and Dalida are featured.

The black-and-white photographs of these divas, from women’s meetings and social and cultural activities, reflect their status during a period of artistic and intellectual vitality. They presented a new image of femininity and participated in political renewal in their countries from the 1920s —especially in Egypt — until the 1970s.

Through these divas, the exhibition sheds light on the social history of Arab women, the emergence of feminism in traditionally patriarchal societies, their roles in the defense of Arab nationalism and the struggle for independence, and their central contribution to artistic fields they helped to revolutionize.

Director of the Sursock Museum Karina El-Helou told Arab News: “In the 1960s, Beirut, alongside Cairo, was a capital of Arab music. Here, divas such as ‘the Star of the East’ Umm Kulthum, who gave an unforgettable performance at the Baalbeck Festival, and Fayrouz, ‘the Ambassador of Lebanon to the Stars,’ who attained worldwide renown, played a decisive role in shaping modern Arab music. Artists such as Warda and Asmahan, both of Lebanese origin, also helped bring this music to the international stage.

“Beirut has consistently affirmed the vitality of its cultural life despite the conflicts it has endured — through music, theatre, and festivals. This exhibition evokes the memory of a glorious past while underscoring a living heritage that continues to inspire and merits renewed attention,” she added.  

The Beirut edition of the exhibition distinguished itself through its specific scenography and the addition of archival spaces featuring costumes, videos, and photographs, displayed in the main gallery dedicated to the divas and in the section devoted to contemporary artists.

In the area dedicated to the Lebanese diva Fayrouz, original dresses worn by the star in the play “Qasidet Hub” (“A Poem of Love”), performed at the Baalbeck International Festival in 1973, are on show. The costumes were designed by the Lebanese Armenian couturier Jean-Pierre Delifer, one of the most emblematic figures in fashion in the 1970s.

 In addition to the costumes, rare video footage documenting Fayrouz’s South American tour in Rio de Janeiro in 1961 is screened, along with an excerpt from a documentary produced by Parker & Co about her US tour in 1972. The exhibition also features an exploration of Lebanese icon Sabah’s lasting impact on popular culture, as well as the 2011 film “The Three Disappearances of Soad Hosni” that charts the life of the revered actress from the early 1960s into the 1990s.

DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week continued with a full schedule of runway shows wowing audiences across the city.

The second day highlighted presentations by Saudi brands Leem, Rebirth, Amen, Waad Aloqaili, Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad and Abadia, each bringing distinct interpretations of contemporary design rooted in craftsmanship and cultural identity.

Leem opened the day with a collection centered on fluid, modest silhouettes in a palette of deep tones such as burgundy, brown and black. The looks featured long dresses, skirts, jackets, tailored pants and blazers. A few dark gradient pieces added depth, while ivory ensembles offered contrast.

Rebirth followed with a bohemian-inspired collection showcasing dresses, skirts, tailored trousers and draped gowns. Fringe detailing appeared throughout, adding texture and motion to the clean silhouettes. Asymmetrical cuts and layered elements introduced variation, while the color scheme drew from soft, earthy hues — sand, taupe, olive and rust — complemented by ivory and chocolate tones.

Meanwhile, Amen unveiled a lineup that featured draped gowns, asymmetric dresses and flowing blouses that were crafted from silk and chiffon, while the brand’s signature crescent motif — derived from its logo — appeared as embroidery or beadwork across several designs. The palette shifted between jewel and pastel tones, including violet, royal blue, mint, ivory and blush.

Waad Aloqaili presented a couture collection defined by sculpted gowns and flowing capes adorned with layered beadwork and embroidery in shades of lilac, ivory and champagne. Sequins and crystals were arranged in shell-like patterns, highlighting symmetry and texture across the pieces.

Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad showcased designs emphasizing volume and contrast, featuring floor-length gowns, capes and tailored separates in soft neutrals, pastels and darker hues. Fabrics such as velvet, satin and embellished tulle appeared throughout, with floral detailing and layered structures contributing to the collection’s visual depth.

Closing the day, Abadia presented a collection that explored soft volume and refined layering. Wide trousers were paired with long coats, tunics and draped blouses in tones of brown, cream and gold, balanced by muted pastels and deep burgundy shades. Silk, velvet and wool were shaped into relaxed silhouettes that merged traditional influences with modern tailoring.

This year’s event also features two global fashion houses. Vivienne Westwood opened the event with a debut show in ��������, while Stella McCartney is set to close the week with her first presentation in the Kingdom.