Biography
Who is Liya Kebede?
Early life and education
Liya Kebede was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She grew up in Ethiopia as the only daughter in a family that included four brothers. She is of Amhara ethnicity.
While attending Lycée Guebre-Mariam, a French international school, a film director noticed her. This encounter led to an introduction to a modeling agent from France. She learned to speak French fluently during her school years.
Modeling and film career
Her professional breakthrough occurred when Tom Ford selected her for an exclusive contract for the Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 show. In 2002, she appeared on the cover of Paris Vogue, which was a special issue dedicated to her. She has since appeared on covers for Vogue in Italy, Japan, America, France, and Spain, as well as in Time's Style & Design.
Liya worked on major advertising campaigns for brands like Victoria's Secret, Louis Vuitton, Gap, and Yves Saint-Laurent. In 2003, she became the first Ethiopian representative for Estée Lauder cosmetics. During this period, she reached the number one ranking on models.com.
Fashion design and advocacy
In 2007, she started her own clothing brand called Lemlem. The name means to bloom in Amharic. The company produces clothing for women and children that uses traditional Ethiopian weaving, embroidery, and hand-spun fabrics. Lemlem is currently sold through 150 different retailers.
Liya has been a WHO Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health since 2005. She established the Liya Kebede Foundation to help reduce mortality rates for mothers and children globally. This foundation provides medical training, community education, and support for low-cost technologies.
Personal life
Liya married Kassy Kebede in 2000. He manages Cepheus Growth Capital Partners, which is a hedge fund focused on Ethiopian entrepreneurs and companies. The couple has two children, a son named Suhul and a daughter named Raee.
She is a multilingual professional who speaks English, French, and her native Amharic. In 2007, her family was living in New York City.
Birthday and age
Liya Kebede was born on March 1, 1978, which makes Liya 48 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Liya shares the date with 67 other famous people.
Explore more
