Liya Kebede

Early Life / Background

Liya Kebede was born on March 21, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to an Ethiopian father and an Ethiopian mother of French descent. Growing up in the colorful cultural hub of Addis Ababa, she was immersed in Ethiopia's rich traditions from a young age, which later influenced her poised and elegant presence in the fashion world.

Career Development

Kebede's modeling career took off rapidly after her discovery in 1997. She signed with top agencies, including Elite Model Management in Paris and later IMG Models in New York, which have reputations for nurturing supermodels and connecting talent to elite runways and campaigns.

Notable Work & Campaigns

Kebede's breakthrough came in 2002 when she became the face of Estée Lauder, a landmark campaign that raised her to supermodel status. This partnership, one of the brand's first with a Black model in a major role, ran for several years and featured her in global advertisements, underscoring her commercial viability.

Industry Context

Kebede's career intersects with significant shifts in the fashion industry, particularly the push for diversity that gained momentum in the 2000s. During her rise, the sector was critiqued for underrepresenting models of color; organizations like the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) began advocating for change, influenced by trailblazers like Kebede, Iman, and Alek Wek.

Current Status & Legacy

Today, Liya Kebede remains active in fashion, selectively booking campaigns and runways while prioritizing philanthropy. In 2005, she founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, focusing on maternal and child health in Ethiopia and Africa, addressing issues like fistula through partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF.