Liya Kebede is a supermodel with a mission. Born in 1978 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was discovered while in school at the French Lycee by a film director who introduced her to a French modeling agent. When she finished school, Liya moved to France where her career took off.
Liya has been on the covers of Italian, Japanese, French and Spanish Vogue. She's also been featured in ads for Gap, Yves Saint-Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro and Dolce & Gabbana. She's also walked the runway for Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Gucci, Anna Sui and Zac Posen. In 2003, Liya was named the face of Estee Lauder cosmetics and was the first person of color to serve as their representative in the company's 57-year history. In 2007, Liya was the eleventh highest paid top model, according to Forbes.
So she's beautiful, successful... and did I mention she's also a philanthropist? In 2005, Liya was appointed as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She also has her own foundation dedicated to reducing maternal newborn and child mortality and improving the health of mothers and children around the globe. She sounds pretty awesome, right? Here's Liya serving you hot fashion.
