Some models make a name for themselves for their wild antics, crazy partying lifestyle, or dysfunctional relationships with other A-listers, but every once in a while there comes along a woman who really has the entire package: beauty & brains.
Liya Kebede fits this stature and more. She’s elegant, ambitious, driven and incredibly kind.
The 29-year-old was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While attending college at the French school Lycee Guebre Mariam, Kebede was spotted out of a large crowd by a film director who then introduced her to an agent in Paris. She moved there full-time after completing school and ultimately relocated to the nation’s fashion capital, New York City, where she was able to take on modeling from a global stand point. In no time Liya became a top model at IMG, as well as a hot commodity in both the runway and print high-fashion divisions.
After moving to Manhattan, Liya married fellow Ethiopian, hedge fund manager Kassy Kebede in 2000. Nine years later, they still live in New York City with their two children Suhul and Raee.
So when did Liya receive that so-called “big break” that all aspiring models strive to achieve? Well, that came back in 2000 when fashion extraordinaire Tom Ford asked her to be an exclusive for his Fall/Winter Gucci shows. At that time, she knew this was the real deal.
Kebede went from living a small, sheltered life in the slums of Ethiopia to traveling the world and working in fashion’s big four cities: Milan, London, Paris, and New York.
The regal beauty began appearing on covers for French Vogue, directly followed by other leading fashion magazines such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and American Vogue, Numero, V, French Flair, i-D, South African Elle, Harpers & Queen, Essence and Time’s Style & Design issue, just to name a few.
In fact, French Vogue featured Liya on the cover and in four of their six stories that ran back in their May 2002 issue. The headline ran: “All About Liya”, because it really was!
The world instantly became fixated on the stunning, mysterious face that seemingly became an overnight fascination.
One of her past bookers at Elite Modeling Agency stated it perfectly, “It’s like there’s only room for one very successful black model at a time. For the past years, it’s been Kebede.”
In 2003, she achieved perhaps her most riveting accomplishment thus far, when she was named the newest face of the high-class beauty and cosmetic brand, Estee Lauder. Liya was not only the first Ethiopian, but the first African American woman to receive a contract with company. This was a major breakthrough not only for Liya, but for black women everywhere to show that they are every bit as beautiful as any other race.
Other major names followed Estee Lauder’s footsteps by having Liya star in their campaigns. She was gorgeous. She was unique. She was perfect!
Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Emanuel Ungaro, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria’s Secret, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Fendi, Marni, Chanel, Balenciaga, Baby Phat, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Christian Dior, Gap, Ann Taylor, Givenchy, Derek Lam, Aquascutu, all used Kebede on their runways and in their ad campaigns!
So what sets Liya apart from the rest of the models in the industry? Well, there are a lot of people in the entertainment industry who commit their time and donate large amounts of money to both charities and causes of their choice, and Liya is a prime example of that.
Not only is she the founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, but Liya is actually the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She received the title after her countless efforts to help raise awareness for the difficulties women and children face in undeveloped third world countries. The Liya Kebede foundation was set up to reduce mortality rates among women and children and to improve the overall healthcare and well-being of both groups around the world.
“I grew up in Ethiopia, where it was very common to hear about women losing their lives during childbirth—to the point where, when I was pregnant with my son in the U.S., I worried, because I thought it was sort of normal for a woman to die while giving birth,” Kebede said.
When giving a speech to the United Nations, Kebede stated, “Every day we hear about the dangers of cancer, heart disease and aids. But how many of us realize that, in much of the world, the act of giving life to a child is still the biggest killer of women of child-bearing age? That over half a million die every year? Or that 3 million babies are stillborn? Or that another 4 million die during the first days and weeks of life?”
Kebede brought the crowd to a silence and opened up their eyes as they saw the statuesque pin-thin 5 foot 10 model standing before them revealing her heart that was made of solid gold. Here was a woman who had all the money in the world and could easily be spending her time off jet-setting and frolicking on islands or attending the hottest parties, but she chose to dedicate herself and put forth effort into a cause where she could really make a difference.
Although she is notorious for her cold personality, Vogue’s legendary director in chief, Anna Wintour, had nothing but exceptional things to say about Kebede.
“It’s very gratifying that Kebede, who has been a model of the highest rank, should come into her own this way. This is her moment, and it has not arrived by virtue of outsize fabulousness. She is beautiful, professional, and substantial, which makes her not just a model but a role model.”
Although it may be a lot of work, Liya doesn’t expect any credit or praise for what she does. “It’s wonderful to be able to donate and help people,” she said.
She is a mother, a model, an actress, a humanitarian, a goodwill ambassador, and designer. It’s a wonder when she ever finds the time to sleep? Kebede has appeared in films such as The Good Shepherd and Lord of Wars, where she had small roles.
Another, recent project of hers is designing for her children’s line LEMLEM, which is based out of Ethiopia.
In 2008 Liya was featured on one of the four covers made for Vogue Italia’s “All Black Issue”.
According to Forbes, Liya is currently the world’s eleventh highest paid model. She has also been named a leading face on the forefront of “The Return of the Supermodel.” She even told Vogue, “Honestly, I wish I could’ve lived in their time. They had so much fun!”
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