Elissa's fashion evolution in 17 photos: unassuming star to Lebanon's favourite diva

The singer is a champion of Elie Saab, who she describes as a 'friend before her favourite designer'

Elissa, in jeans and a printed top, performs in Dubai on November 12, 2001. AFP

Elissa, in a blush gown, performs at the Jerash Festival in Jordan on July 25, 2004. AFP

Performing in a pink halter neck dress in Cairo, Egypt on July 31, 2004. AFP

Wearing a fitted red satin and lace dress, Elissa leaves after a performance in Kuwait City on November 15, 2004. AFP

A statement look in a grey suit with a fur coat at Elie Saab's Haute Couture Ball at La Maison Baccarat in Paris, on January 24, 2005. Benoit Pinguet/ABACA

On stage in a turquoise gown at the 2005 World Music Awards in Los Angeles, on August 31, 2005. AFP

Casual in jeans and a taupe top at the Virgin Megastore in Cairo, Egypt, on May 10, 2006. AFP

Glittering in a gold gown for her performance at the 2006 World Music Awards in London, on November 15, 2006. Reuters

Simple yet striking in a black gown for the Music Plus TV Gala in Dubai on October 14, 2007. AFP

Glamorous in a cream sequinned gown during a 'Mission: Fashion' filming at the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation studios in Beirut, on December 12, 2008. AFP

In an ethereal pink tulle and feather gown for the 'Mission: Fashion' filming on December 12, 2008. AFP

In a metallic gown at the World Music Awards 2010 in Monte Carlo, Monaco on May 18, 2010. WireImage

Picture perfect in a white tiered dress during the final of 'Star Academy' in Beirut on June 4, 2010. AFP

In a white Grecian-style gown at the 13th Murex D'or Festival in Beirut on June 23, 2013. AFP

Chic in a black lace jumpsuit at the Flash VIP lounge in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2013. Photo: Lumin

A charcoal gown is her choice while performing at Dubai Shopping Festival Nights in the city, on January 15, 2015. Reem Mohammed / The National

Channelling her diva side in a gold mini at Beirut Waterfront, Lebanon, on August 10, 2018. Reuters

Elissa sports a gown like few other stars of the stage.

The Lebanese singer, born Elissar Zakaria Khoury, has been in the public eye since 1998. In her 20-plus years of fame, she has matured from a low-key starlet in pared-back jeans and top sets, to a star most comfortable in a show-stopping ballgown.

Her sense of style is as romantic as her heart-string-tugging ballads, with a wardrobe packed full of eye-catching feathers, glittering sequins, charming shades of pink and blush, with metallics thrown in.

The singer allows her choice in gowns to speak for her. In 2015, she told The National: "I'm in love with any design that puts the spotlight on a woman’s shape."

From the region, she often turns to designer and fellow Lebanese national Elie Saab and Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaia. International labels Valentino, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Dolce & Gabbana also chart among her favourites.

Speaking of her friendship with Saab, Elissa said: "Elie Saab was a friend of mine before he became my favourite designer. He is, in my opinion, the most important designer in the world because he cares so much about women.

"I love to watch all of his fashion shows. There are a lot of good young designers around at the moment – lately I’m in love with brands like Antonio Berardi, David Koma, Raf Simon’s silhouette at Dior, Fendi, Victoria Beckham. I have many favourite designers."