(ማስታወቂያ)
Welcome to the world of Liya Kebede, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, maternal health advocacy, clothing design, and acting. Hailing from Ethiopia, Liya Kebede, born on March 1, 1978, has captivated audiences worldwide with her stunning presence and talent.
With the honor of gracing the cover of Vogue magazine not once, not twice, but thrice, she has become a symbol of elegance and beauty. Furthermore, since 2005, Liya has taken on the significant role of the World Health Organization's Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, dedicating herself to improving the lives of women and children across the globe. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey and multifaceted accomplishments of Liya Kebede, a true force to be reckoned with.
Liya Liya’s early life and education shaped her path to becoming a successful model and activist. Born on March 1, 1978 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she grew up in a close-knit family as the only daughter among four brothers. Liya's upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of identity and cultural values. During her time at Lycée Guebre-Mariam, a school in Addis Ababa, Liya’s life took an unexpected turn. It was there that a film director noticed her and recognized her potential. Impressed by her captivating presence, the director introduced her to a French modeling agent. This encounter became the catalyst for Liya's journey into the world of fashion. To pursue her modeling career, Liya made a significant decision to move to France. She joined a Parisian modeling agency and began her professional endeavors in the fashion industry. This move allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant fashion scene of Paris, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience. With her growing success, Liya's ambitions led her to venture further. She subsequently made her way to the United States, initially settling in Chicago and later relocating to the bustling city of New York. These transitions opened up new opportunities for her career, propelling her into the international spotlight as a renowned supermodel. Liya's educational background played a crucial role in her journey as well.
Attending Lycée Guebre-Mariam not only provided her with a solid academic foundation but also equipped her with fluency in the French language. This proficiency in French proved invaluable as she navigated the fashion industry, where knowledge of multiple languages is often advantageous. The combination of her natural talent, early recognition by the film director, and the educational opportunities she received led Liya Kebede to become a rising star in the world of modeling. Her journey from Addis Ababa to Paris and eventually to the United States exemplifies her determination and resilience in pursuing her dreams. Liya's early life and educational experiences provide a glimpse into the formative years that shaped her into the influential figure she is today. These experiences laid the foundation for her remarkable career as a supermodel and set the stage for her future endeavors in activism and humanitarian work.
After catching the attention of renowned fashion designer Tom Ford, Liya Kebede experienced a breakthrough in her career. Ford personally requested an exclusive contract for her to walk in his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show, which marked a significant turning point. Liya’s talent and presence were undeniable, and her career soared to new heights. In May 2002, Liya achieved another remarkable milestone when she graced the cover of Paris Vogue. The entire issue was dedicated to celebrating her remarkable achievements and undeniable beauty.
This recognition further solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Throughout her career, Liya has been featured on the covers of prestigious fashion magazines such as Italian, Japanese, American, French, and Spanish Vogue, as well as V, i-D, and Time's Style & Design. Her striking features and captivating presence have made her a sought-after model for various high-profile ad campaigns. Brands such as Shiatzy Chen, Gap, Yves Saint-Laurent, Victoria's Secret, Emanuel Ungaro, Tommy Hilfiger, Revlon, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, and Louis Vuitton have all chosen Liya to represent their products and embody their brand identity.
In 2003, Liya made history as the first Ethiopian to become the face of Estée Lauder cosmetics in the company's 57-year history. This prestigious role solidified her prominence in the beauty industry, and her contract was rumored to be worth an impressive $3 million. At this time, Liya’s talent and influence were widely recognized, and she held the top ranking on models.com, a testament to her unparalleled success. In 2007, Liya’s achievements continued to soar as she earned an impressive $2.5 million in the previous 12 months, securing her spot as the eleventh highest-earning supermodel according to Forbes. Her remarkable success and unique beauty led casting agent James Scully to compare her to "an exotic Grace Kelly," acknowledging her elegance and timeless appeal. Liya’s talents extend beyond the world of modeling. In 2009, she showcased her acting abilities in the film adaptation of Waris Dirie's bestselling autobiography, "Desert Flower."
The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation. Liya’s portrayal of Dirie's journey from Somalia to becoming a supermodel and her subsequent campaign against female circumcision further solidified her versatility and talent. She also had minor roles in "The Good Shepherd" (2006) and "Lord of War" (2005), showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly between modeling and acting. In 2011, Liya became one of the featured models in Lacoste's "new look" campaign, photographed by Mert and Marcus. The campaign showcased models wearing white Lacoste polo shirts over black eveningwear, portraying a unique and modern aesthetic.
Additionally, Liya had the opportunity to star alongside renowned actor Jake Gyllenhaal in a Calvin Klein advertisement, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industries. Today, Liya continues to be recognized as a prominent figure in the fashion world and is listed among the "New Supers" on models.com. Her talent, versatility, and dedication have solidified her place as a trailblazer and an inspiration to aspiring models worldwide.
In 2005, Liya Kebede was appointed as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. This important role allowed her to make a significant impact on improving healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children. Inspired by her passion for this cause, she went on to establish the Liya Kebede Foundation, which aims to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates not only in Ethiopia but also around the world. The foundation carries out its mission by funding various advocacy and awareness-raising projects. Additionally, it provides direct support for low-cost technologies, community-based education, training, and medical programs. Thanks to the foundation's efforts, one particular health center witnessed a remarkable increase of over 50% in hospital deliveries within just 12 months. Recognizing the importance of hands-on involvement, Kebede has personally traveled to Ethiopia to lend her support to maternal health projects on multiple occasions. In 2009, she collaborated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as part of their Living Proof Project. Furthermore, she served as a High-Level adviser for the Center for Global Development's 2009 report titled "Start with a Girl: A New Agenda for Global Health." Liya’s commitment to raising awareness about maternal and child health extends beyond her foundation. She writes about these issues for The Huffington Post, sharing her insights and advocating for positive change. Her expertise has also garnered attention from renowned publications such as Vogue and The Daily Beast. In addition to her foundation and other endeavors, Liya Kebede is an active member of Champions for an HIV-Free Generation. This organization, led by former President of Botswana Festus Mogae, brings together influential African leaders to combat HIV/AIDS and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. Through her philanthropic work, advocacy, and collaborations, Liya Kebede continues to be a driving force in improving maternal and child health worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities.
Liya Kebede has also made notable contributions to the world of film. Here are some of her memorable roles:
These diverse film roles showcase Liya Kebede's versatility as an actress and her ability to bring different characters to life on the screen. Her contributions to the film industry further highlight her talent and range as an artist.
Liya Kebede's remarkable efforts in philanthropy have garnered widespread recognition and accolades. In 2013, she was honored as one of Glamour's Women of the Year. This prestigious acknowledgment was bestowed upon her in recognition of the impactful philanthropic work she carries out through her Liya Kebede Foundation. Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Liya Kebede leads a fulfilling personal life. In the year 2000, she exchanged vows with Kassy Kebede, an Ethiopian hedge fund manager. Together, they have been blessed with two children. Their son, Suhul, was born in September 2000, while their daughter, Raee, came into the world in August 2005. As of 2007, Liya Kebede and her family have made their home in New York city, where they enjoy their personal pursuits and continue to make a positive impact on the world through their philanthropic endeavors. It's worth noting that Liya Kebede has achieved notable success throughout her career and has a net worth of $18 million dollars. Her dedication to philanthropy and her thriving personal life exemplifies the multifaceted nature of her inspiring journey.
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