Denim: The Fabric That Built America 1935-1944 by Graham Marsh and Tony Nourmand explores denim’s role in American workwear during the Great Depression, symbolizing resilience and industry.
In The Sights of an Origin, the concept is reimagined in the context of Egypt, where denim’s symbolic role as the fabric of labor and growth was transposed onto the country’s own roots of development and said growth of surrounding beauty.
Denim becomes situated in environments that echo the raw, foundational elements of Egypt’s commercial evolution, its agriculture, craftsmanship, and the inherent beauty of its natural raw landscape.
Denim, in its purest form, is unapologetically simple yet striking. By stripping away any excess, eliminating elaborate hair and makeup, what remains is an honest and natural portrayal of the actress’s beauty, captured through a denim-on-denim ensemble that reflects this authenticity. The rawness of denim mirrors the essence of the Egyptian landscape and culture, which, at its core, remains untouched and beautiful in its natural state.
The Sights of an Origin honors the roots that helped shape modern Egypt, its agricultural legacy, the significance of cotton, the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations, and, ultimately, the Egyptian woman, Ayah Samaha who embodies these elements.
Each element visualized represents a pillar of Egypt’s rich heritage and the materiality that has supported its growth and beauty.
AYAH SAMAHA: EMBRACING ROOTS AND FINDING FREEDOM IN VULNERABILITY
Ayah Samaha has an obvious rawness, a quiet strength that lies somewhere between the echoes of her history and the exuberance of the present. The Egyptian actress exudes sincerity, which is sometimes lost in the controlled sheen of celebrity.
However, for her, beauty is more than simply what is seen; it is about the layers of experience, memory, and emotion that make the person behind the screen. The very roots and origins of a person’s soul that provides said beauty.
“I carry a lot of good memories from my early years,” she says. “I was a cherished child, constantly surrounded by relatives. That environment taught me to genuinely value what family means. My parents not only loved me, but they also encouraged me to dream, to strive for something greater than what was expected. It wasn’t simple to get where I am now, and I owe so much of it to them.”
Look 1
Flannel: Sight
Jeans: Sight
Shoes: Zara
Jewelry: Dalia Lasheen
Samaha speaks about her roots with reverence, expressing sincere thanks for the foundation that has shaped her. However, it wasn’t until she entered the world of acting that she realized how transforming the experience would be.
“I’m not sure I can call it childhood, but after working on my first series, Grand Hotel, everything changed. It changed my view on what I desired for myself, the career I actually wanted to pursue and excel at. “It was no longer just about ambition; it was about purpose.”
Samaha fully embraces the vulnerability that comes with purpose. “I’ve always valued freedom, both personally and professionally. And I believe that in order to truly be free, you must be able to let go of your ego and overcome the fear of imperfection. We’re all just gorgeous, vulnerable human beings going through our own experiences.”
“I believe that beauty lies in intention. When someone actively works on their shortcomings with sincerity and the desire to evolve, the effort and the journey is the most beautiful thing.”
Look 2
Top: Sight
Jeans: Sight
Jewelry: Harry V
Ayah defines beauty as a deeply subjective concept, one that is not just about external appearance. While many might look to the mirror to find beauty, Ayah believes that true beauty can’t be seen that way. “Real beauty is reflected in your soul,” she says, emphasizing that it’s an inner radiance that shines through and defines us, regardless of how we look on the outside.
For Ayah, beauty is something she feels every day. It’s not about having a special moment to feel beautiful but rather about embracing the everyday. She explains, “I feel beautiful every day, not because of how I look, but because I feel content, confident, and connected to who I truly am.” To her, beauty is found in self-acceptance and in those small, meaningful moments of life that remind her of her worth.
But how can she walk the narrow line between external expectations and honesty, especially in an industry that frequently requires a specific image? “It’s the people around you.” When you surround yourself with people who actually know and love you, who see past the surface, you remain grounded. They remind you of who you are, even if the world attempts to convince you differently.
Look 3
Denim Set: Sight
Boots: Charles & Keith
Jewelry: Harry V
Samaha is highly introspective, but she also has a sense of playfulness, an appreciation for life’s unvarnished moments. “Not everything has to be intense,” she says, laughing. “I prefer seeing incredibly horrible movies, since they make me laugh the most. There’s beauty in not taking everything too seriously.”
When does she feel most like herself? The solution comes easily. “When I’m working on something I’m genuinely enthusiastic about. That’s when I feel most present and alive.”
If Ayah could speak to her younger self, she would share a simple yet powerful message: “Stay true to yourself, and keep going…you will make it.” She reflects on her journey and acknowledges that there were times of doubt. But through it all, she has learned that persistence is key. The road may have been challenging at times, but Ayah is confident that those struggles shaped her into the person she is today.
Look 4
Denim Blanket: Sight
Jeans: Sight
Jewelry: Harry V
When it comes to embracing her most authentic self, Ayah feels most aligned with who she truly is when she’s working on something she’s passionate about. She explains, “When I’m working on something I’m really passionate about, that’s when I feel like my most authentic self.” There’s a special energy that comes from being immersed in a project or endeavor that speaks to her heart. It’s in these moments of creative flow that Ayah connects deeply with her true essence.
Look 5
Denim Set: Sight
Boots: Charles & Keith
Jewelry: Harry V
Ayah Samaha’s story exemplifies the beauty of origins, the raw unpolished reality of where we came from and how it shapes us. In embracing her heritage, she continues to craft a path that is clearly and completely her own.
EDITORIAL TEAM CREDITS
Model: Ayah Samaha
Creative Director: Farida Yehya
Photographer: Adam Salem
Director: Ahmedullah Ibrahim
Cinematographer: Hassan Khalafallah
Stylist: Dina Nosseir
Styled in: Sight
Makeup: Mariam Farouk
Hair: Silvia Bernaba
Production: Colour Correct
Carpets by Kahhal Looms courtesy of Flare PR
Glassware and Tableware by Anüt
Jewelry by Dalia Lasheen & Harry V
