Liya Kebede
Who was Liya Kebede?
Ethiopian supermodel and actress who became the first black model to represent Estée Lauder and founded the Liya Kebede Foundation for maternal health.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Liya Kebede (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Liya Kebede was born on March 1, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She attended Lycée Guebre-Mariam before beginning a career that turned her into a well-known figure in international fashion. She started modeling in the late 1990s after being discovered by a French modeling scout, which led her to move to Paris and eventually New York City.
Kebede found great success in the fashion world and was the first Black model to secure an exclusive contract with Estée Lauder cosmetics. Her striking features and professionalism led to twenty appearances on Vogue magazine covers, making her one of the most in-demand models of her time. She worked not only in traditional modeling but also in high-fashion campaigns and runway shows for top international designers.
In 2005, Kebede became an Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health for the World Health Organization, aligning with her personal dedication to improving healthcare in Africa, especially for mothers and children. She founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, focusing on maternal health and reducing preventable childbirth deaths in developing countries.
Kebede further broadened her career to include acting and fashion design. She appeared in several films and launched her own clothing line, showcasing her business skills alongside her advocacy work. Her marriage to Kassy Kebede provided personal stability as she managed her international career and family life. She received various honors, including the Trophée Chopard, recognizing her influence in entertainment and humanitarian efforts.
Throughout her career, Kebede has stayed connected to her Ethiopian roots while working globally. Her efforts have consistently focused on the blend of fashion, health advocacy, and cultural representation, making her an influential figure in multiple areas and a strong voice for African women's rights and healthcare access worldwide.
Before Fame
Liya Kebede grew up in Addis Ababa when Ethiopia was coming out of a long period of political turmoil and conflict. She went to Lycée Guebre-Mariam, a French-language school, which gave her international exposure and language skills that would be valuable later in her career. The school's European curriculum and multilingual setting prepared her for the international fashion world.
She entered modeling in the late 1990s when the fashion industry was starting to embrace more diversity, though there were still limited opportunities for African models. A French modeling scout discovered Kebede, offering her personal opportunity and reflecting broader cultural changes in beauty standards. Her move from Ethiopia to Paris marked the start of a career that would redefine how African women are represented in global fashion and media.
Key Achievements
- First Black model to sign an exclusive contract with Estée Lauder cosmetics
- Appeared on Vogue magazine covers 20 times internationally
- Appointed WHO Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in 2005
- Founded the Liya Kebede Foundation focusing on maternal health in Africa
- Received the Trophée Chopard for contributions to film and humanitarian work
Did You Know?
- 01.She speaks five languages fluently: Amharic, French, English, Spanish, and Italian
- 02.Her first major modeling break came when she was cast in a Louis Vuitton campaign shot by photographer Steven Meisel
- 03.She designed costumes for the film 'Desert Flower' in which she also starred as Somali model Waris Dirie
- 04.Her clothing line lemlem was named after a traditional Ethiopian cotton fabric and employs artisans in Africa
- 05.She was the first Ethiopian model to appear on the cover of American Vogue magazine
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trophée Chopard | — | — |