Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya moved to Paris at the age of 18. Her modeling career took off as a year later she debuted at the spring Ralph Lauren and BCBG Max Azria shows, and was also personally selected by Tom Ford for an exclusive contract for the Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. She gained still more attention as the entire May 2002 edition of Paris Vogue was dedicated to her. Kebede has been seen on the covers of Italian, Japanese, American, French and Spanish Vogue, V, Flair, i-D and Time's Style & Design, and has been featured in ad campaigns including those for Gap, Yves Saint-Laurent, Victoria's Secret, Emanuel Ungaro, Tommy Hilfiger, Revlon, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada and Louis Vuitton. In 2003, she made history becoming the first ever black model to represent cosmetic company Estee Lauder. She is also an activist, serving as the Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health for the World Health Organization. She has two children with husband Kassy Kebede.
Strike A Pose
Jones New York F/W 09
in the mood
tonight's the night
strong suits
It Girl Liya Kebede (ph by Hannah Thomso...
American Vogue May 2009 Cover
The Godfather
St. John S/S 09
A to Z (photos by Josh Olins, styled by ...
Desert Fox
One Piece Wonders
It's A Madcap World
St. John Cruise 08
Tiffany & Co. F/W 08
Lanvin F/W 08
Modern Luxe
Vogue Italia July 2008 Liya Cover
From Here to Timbuktu
Powerhouse: IMG
Estee Lauder F/W 07
Love Lockdown
Show Package Paris FW08: Viva...
Show Package Milan FW08: D'Management...
» more Liya Kebede on Of the Minute
V Night
Bits and Bytes: Zoe in town...
Can This Be You?
Bits and Bytes: Who is Fernando?...