Ethiopia's fashion industry has quickly expanded and produced some of Africa's and the world's most gifted and creative fashion designers as well as models. This article introduces some of the most well-known Ethiopian fashion designers and models who have significantly influenced the growth and development of the industry, both male and female.
These people have developed their own distinctive styles and drawn the attention of the entire globe with their creations. Their work exemplifies the distinctive fusion of heritage and modernity that distinguishes Ethiopian fashion. You can observe how these designers and models' contributions to promoting Ethiopian fashion and culture on a worldwide scale as you go through their biographies. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the world of Ethiopian fashion, join us as we take a closer look at some of the most famous models and fashion designers in Ethiopia and the world.
Abai Schulze is an Ethiopian-American fashion designer who is the founder of ZAAF, a fashion brand that specializes in handcrafted leather goods and accessories. Abai's work has been featured in various fashion shows and events around the world. She was born in Ethiopia and adopted by an American family at the age of 11. Despite this, she managed to stay connected to her culture. In order to launch ZAAF, a business that specializes in handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories made by Ethiopian craftsmen, Abai Schulze relocated to Addis Ababa in 2013. The Ethiopian-American businesswoman has created a thriving brand by fusing her experience in economic development with her passion for the arts and creativity. Through ZAAF, Abai aspires to produce distinctive goods, provide opportunities for gifted local artisans, and advance the image of Ethiopia. She is also a social entrepreneur and has focused on creating jobs and supporting local communities in Ethiopia.
Fikirte Addis is an Ethiopian fashion designer and entrepreneur who has been making waves in the Ethiopian fashion industry for over a decade. She was born on August 3, 1981, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fikirte founded the clothing line "Yefiker Design" in 2009 to produce contemporary takes on traditional Ethiopian attire. By 2011, when she was a featured designer in the second annual Africa Fashion Week in New York City, her work had gained notoriety. She is known for her use of traditional Ethiopian fabrics and designs in her modern clothing lines. Fikirte's work has been featured in international fashion shows and magazines, and she has won awards for her contributions to the Ethiopian fashion industry.
Genet Kebede is an Ethiopian fashion designer and entrepreneur born on December 21, 1965, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She is known for her sustainable and eco-friendly clothing lines. Formerly known as "Paradise Fashion", which is now changed to Genet Collection is a well-known fashion label founded in Ethiopia in 1992, it is led by Genet Kebede as CEO and Creative Director. She established the business after completing studies in Argentine and Italian fashion design and clothing construction. She incorporates contemporary techniques and trends into traditional Ethiopian clothing. Genet Kebede uses traditional hand-woven Ethiopian fabrics to create modern Ethiopian fashion and bridal wear for Ethiopian ladies and the rest of the world, drawing inspiration from her beloved "Yehager Libs -የሃገር ልብስ - (traditional Ethiopian cloth)" and the magnificent textiles of Ethiopia. Ladies' wear, which includes caftans and tops, hand-woven scarves and shawls, as well as the Paradise Home collection, which includes pillowcases, decorative throws, wall hangings, and table settings, are among the product lines offered by Paradise Fashion. Genet uses locally sourced materials and employs fair labor practices in her production process. Genet's work has been featured in various fashion shows and events, and she has won several awards for her contributions to the Ethiopian fashion industry.
Yordanos Teshager Bitew is an Ethiopian-born supermodel known for her stunning beauty and inspiring life story. Yordanos was born and raised in Ethiopia and spent her childhood in the city of Addis Ababa. She is a strong and influential Ethiopian woman who has worked hard to achieve her dreams, and her journey is truly inspiring. Yordanos began her modeling career at a young age, and her talent and unique look quickly caught the attention of industry professionals. She was the second runner-up for the Miss World Ethiopia 2004, and in 2005, she was selected as a semi-finalist for the Nokia Face of Africa competition after attending a casting session. This was a major achievement for Yordanos, as the competition is one of the most prestigious modeling events in Africa. Since then, Yordanos has gone on to achieve great success in her career, working with some of the biggest names in fashion. Armani, Prada, Rock & Republic and Naeem Kahn are among some of the many big names she has walked the runway for. She has modeled for a wide range of brands and designers, and her work has been featured in numerous magazines and fashion shows around the world. Aside from her modeling career, Yordanos is also known for her inspiring life story and her dedication to helping others. She has shared her story and her advice for success in interviews and public speaking engagements, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and never give up. Yordanos believes that success comes from hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, and she encourages others to write a plan for their lives and stick to it. She is a role model for young women everywhere, and her dedication to making a difference in the world is truly admirable.
Mahlet Afework is a renowned fashion designer, born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She began her career at a very young age, starting out as a model and musician when she was just 16 years old. However, her true passion for music soon led her to explore the world of rap music, and while she was in grade 9, she released a single titled "Shalom Africa." Mahlet's talent soon caught the attention of Yosef Gebre (Jossy), a famous recording artist in Addis Ababa, who gave her a recording deal to produce an album. Additionally, she was offered the opportunity to design clothes for Jossy's music video, "Metahua - መጣኋ".
Despite having originally planned to study nursing for two years, Mahlet decided to follow her heart and pursue her passion for fashion. She quit her nursing studies and taught herself fashion design by watching Google and YouTube videos. In 2011, Mahlet founded Mafi Mafi, an Ethiopian fashion label that has since become a staple of the country's fashion industry. Her designs are known for their unique use of hand-woven fabrics made by women from Ethiopia's rural areas, creating clothing and accessories that are both stylish and socially responsible. Mahlet's talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, she won the Designer of the Year award from Alliance Ethio-Française at European Fashion Day in Addis. Two years later, she won the Origin Africa's design award at African Fashion Week New York 2012. Most recently, in 2017, she was awarded the prestigious Creative Futures award. Mahlet is also a respected speaker and has given a TED Talk about Ancient tradition and modern fashion in 2014.
Her designs have been exhibited at London College of Fashion, European Fashion Day in Addis, and Africa Fashion Week New York. She has also collaborated with cult UK designer Markus Lupfer, further cementing her position as a rising star in the global fashion industry. Today, Mahlet Afework is a successful and famous fashion designer, inspiring a new generation of young designers to follow their dreams and pursue their passions.
Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian-born model, actress, and philanthropist. She was born on March 1, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Liya was discovered by a French modeling agent while attending school at the French Lycée in Addis Ababa. She then moved to France to pursue a modeling career, and later, to New York City. Liya's career took off quickly, and she became one of the most sought-after models in the world. She has appeared on the covers of countless magazines, including Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. She has also worked with numerous high-profile fashion designers, such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to her successful modeling career, Liya has also ventured into acting. She has appeared in several films, including "Desert Flower" and "The Good Shepherd". She has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, using her platform to advocate for maternal, newborn, and child health. In 2007, she founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, which focuses on improving maternal health in Ethiopia. Liya's talent, beauty, and philanthropic work have earned her numerous accolades over the years. In 2003, she was named the newest face of Estée Lauder, becoming the first woman of color to represent the brand. She was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. Today, Liya continues to be a trailblazer in the fashion industry and a passionate advocate for maternal health. She serves as an inspiration to many young people around the world, showing that with hard work, dedication, and a generous heart, anything is possible.
Anna Getaneh is an Ethiopian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She was born in Sweden in 1974 and grew up in Ethiopia. Getaneh started her modeling career in the 1990s and later transitioned into fashion design. She is the founder and creative director of African Mosaique, a luxury fashion brand that celebrates African culture and heritage through contemporary design. She states her vision by saying; “My vision is a dream of creating timeless, African-inspired contemporary designs, crafting world-class accessories, sourcing from throughout the continent; building bridges and collaborations, and ultimately building a truly and uniquely African luxury brand. My inspiration remains the cultural kaleidoscope, diverse landscapes, and rich heritage of Africa.” In addition to her work in fashion, Anna is also a philanthropist. She founded the Ethiopian Children’s Fund (ECF), which focuses on improving access to education and healthcare for underprivileged children in Ethiopia. With 18 kids, Anna Getaneh inaugurated the Children's Village School in 1999. As supermodel Anna continued to work tirelessly for African Mosaique to raise money to run the school, it now boasts a roll call of 600 students from elementary to pre-university levels. Out of the 21 pupils that took the national school leaving examinations in 2010, the school graduated its first group of 18 students in 2011. Two of the 18 students achieved distinction on their tests. Today, the school has a feeding center, its own health clinic, and environmental programs. The foundation has also launched initiatives to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in the country. Anna has received numerous awards for her contributions to fashion and philanthropy, including the African Fashion International Fashion Icon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Gelila Bekele is an Ethiopian model, humanitarian, and social activist. She was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1986 and raised in Europe and the United States. She started her modeling career in her teens and has since worked with numerous high-profile fashion brands and photographers. In addition to her work in fashion, Gelila is also known for her humanitarian and social activism. She has worked with various organizations focused on improving access to education, healthcare, and clean water in Ethiopia and other African countries. Gelila is a goodwill ambassador for the African Union and a member of the advisory board for Charity: Water, a non-profit organization that provides clean water to people in developing countries. She is also involved in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera. Gelila Bekele produced a 22-minute documentary, "Mai: Life is not Honey," which explores the impact of climate change on beekeeping communities in Ethiopia. Gelila has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Full Circle with Michael Palin" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."
Hayat Ahmed is an Ethiopian model, beauty queen, and entrepreneur, born in Addis Ababa in 1982. She made history as Ethiopia's first representative in the Miss World pageant. During the 2003 competition, Hayat was a third-year student at Unity University College studying information management systems. She competed against 100 contestants and impressed the judges, earning the title of "Continental Queen of Beauty - Africa" and making it to the semi-finals. The pageant, which was viewed by a billion people, showcased Hayat's beauty and poise on a global stage. After establishing herself as a successful model, Hayat turned her attention to entrepreneurship. She founded Bellissima, a café in Addis Ababa that became known for its controversial promotion of safe sex. Every customer who visited the café received a free coffee-flavored condom with their receipt. While the concept was celebrated by many, some people in Ethiopia were initially shocked by the unconventional approach. Despite resistance from Muslim authorities and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Hayat stayed committed to her mission. By 2010, Bellissima had become a well-established business and continued to distribute condoms with the sponsorship of Marie Stopes International. The condoms, called "Sensation," are now the least expensive condoms in the Ethiopian marketplace and are also available for sale. Outside of her work as an entrepreneur, Hayat has also pursued her passion for aviation. In 2008, she received aviation pilot training from Phoenix East Aviation Flight School. Through her various endeavors, Hayat has become a role model for young women in Ethiopia, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Mhadere Tigabe is an accomplished Ethiopian beauty pageant titleholder who was born in 1992. In 2013, she was crowned Miss Universe Ethiopia, beating out 14 other contestants at the pageant held on September 20, 2013, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa. As the winner, she went on to represent Ethiopia at the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia. Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Mhadere attended Mekelle University, where she studied Mechanical Engineering. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a talented martial artist, holding a black belt in taekwondo. Mhadere also has experience tutoring children and is passionate about education. Throughout her career as a beauty pageant titleholder, Mhadere has been a positive role model for young women in Ethiopia. Her success in the pageant world has inspired others to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in their own lives. Mhadere's dedication to education and her commitment to empowering others make her a true inspiration and a valuable asset to her community.
Sayat Demissie is a multi-talented Ethiopian singer, actress, model, and fashion designer. She was born in Addis Ababa in 1986 and is the youngest of four children. Sayat began her career as a model, placing in the top 20 in the 2004 Ethiopian Beauty Queens competition. She later entered the film industry in 2006, appearing in the film "Sara" while working with Tilahun Zewege. She went on to act in several films, including "Laundry Boy," "Selanchi" (2009), "Adamt" (2013), and the German film "Der weiße Äthiopier" (2015). In 2011, Sayat released her debut album "Kifel Sost Volume 1," which included the hit song "Tew Maneh." The following year, she released her second and last album so far, titled "Tew Maneh." After a hiatus from music, Sayat made a comeback in 2019 with the release of "Eskesher," a critically acclaimed music video that reflects on the hardships of life and her musical career. In 2021, she joined other respected Ethiopian musicians like Fikiraddis Nekatibeb and Zeritu Kebede to release a single titled "Yehager Kasma."
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Sayat is also a vocal supporter of women's rights. She has spoken openly about the lack of safety for women and the importance of women supporting each other. In interviews, she has emphasized the hard work and versatility required for her work and the need for self-acceptance. Sayat is also an accomplished actress and has played significant roles in several television dramas. From 2021 to 2022, she played the role of Enana in the drama series "Eregnaye," which was recognized by both the Guma Awards and the Leza Awards. Sayat is a well-respected and versatile artist who has made significant contributions to Ethiopian entertainment and is recognized as an advocate for women's rights.
Helen Getachew is an Ethiopian beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Ethiopia 2012. She represented Ethiopia at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite not placing in the competition, her participation helped to raise the profile of Ethiopian beauty pageantry. Getachew is considered a role model for young women in Ethiopia and beyond. Her participation in the Miss Universe pageant serves as an inspiration to many young women in Ethiopia who aspire to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
Tezeta Abraham is an Italian-Ethiopian model and actress known for her work in the Italian fashion and film industries. She was born on February 15, 1985, in Djibouti to Ethiopian parents and moved with her family to Italy at the age of five. Growing up as the only black girl in her class, Tezeta struggled with her identity, but her talent and determination led her to success in the fashion world. Tezeta's breakthrough came in 2002, when she won the "Miss Italy Africa" contest, which opened the doors for her in the fashion industry. She worked as a model for several high-profile brands, including Fendi, Gianfranco Ferre, Replay, Moschino, and Jean Paul Gaultier, among others. Despite her success in modeling, Tezeta was also interested in the cinematic world and began auditioning for film roles at the age of 18. Tezeta's talent as an actress was soon recognized, and she began landing small roles in films and TV series. Her big break came in 2015 when she was cast in the TV series "Arrivata la felicità" after auditioning for director Ivan Cotroneo. Since then, Tezeta has worked with Cotroneo on several projects and has appeared in films such as "A Flat for Three," "L'ultima rima," and "La Festa più Bellissima." Aside from her successful modeling and acting careers, Tezeta is also an outspoken advocate against racism in Italy. She believes that black people living on the margins of society are a reflection of the Catholic culture, and she promotes travel as a way of opening the mind to new cultures. In 2019, Tezeta helped launch the MiWorld Young Film Festival. Tezeta is a proud mother and currently resides in Rome. She continues to be a strong role model for young girls, particularly those who may struggle with their identity in a world that often values homogeneity over diversity. Tezeta's talent, beauty, and advocacy work make her a highly respected figure in both the fashion and film industries.
Sara Nuru is a German fashion model and entrepreneur of Ethiopian heritage. She was born on August 19, 1989, in Erding, Germany. Sara's parents emigrated from Ethiopia, and she has two sisters. Her mother is Christian, and her father is Muslim. Sara moved to Munich with her family in 1999 and speaks four languages: German, English, Arabic, and a little bit of Amharic, her parents' native language. In high school, a friend convinced Sara to participate in the casting of Germany's Next Topmodel. She was chosen as one of the finalists and went on to win the competition in 2009, becoming the first Ethiopian to win the title. Unlike previous winners, Sara did not win a modeling contract with IMG Models, but with the Heidi Klum GmbH, whose manager is Heidi's father Günther Klum. After winning Germany's Next Topmodel, Sara began her modeling career and walked in shows during London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and Berlin Fashion Week. She worked with several high-profile brands, including Escada Laurèl, Guido Maria Kretschmer, Gant, Cesar Galindo NY, Custo Barcelona, and Roberto Cavalli. In 2016, Sara founded nuruCoffee, a fair trade coffee company that supports Ethiopian women with microcredits through her non-profit organization, nuruWomen. Sara is passionate about using her platform to help empower women, particularly those in her parents' home country of Ethiopia. In addition to her work as an entrepreneur and model, Sara is also an ambassador for Karlheinz Böhm's charity Menschen für Menschen, with a focus on Ethiopia. In 2018, she was appointed as Special Ambassador for Sustainable Consumption and Production by Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Müller. Sara also works with advocacy and campaigning organization ONE, using her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting women and girls in Africa. In September 2022, Sara joined the criticism of Germany's Next Topmodel, stating that she was not aware of how young women were being treated during her time on the show. She expressed horror at the treatment of young women and stated that, with the knowledge she has today, she would not participate in the show again. Sara Nuru is a talented and accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to the fashion industry, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment. Her work as an ambassador and advocate for sustainable consumption and production and women's rights has earned her widespread recognition and respect. Sara continues to be a role model for young women around the world, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities.
Amleset Muchie is a multi-talented Ethiopian model, actress, filmmaker, and spokesperson who have made a significant impact in various fields. She was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on April 5th, 1987. Amleset pursued her passion for filmmaking by studying at the New York Film Academy and later studied journalism at Unity University in Addis Ababa. Amleset has won several prestigious beauty pageants, including Miss University in 2004 and Miss World Ethiopia in 2006. Her beauty and charm have helped her gain a significant following in Ethiopia and beyond. In addition to her modeling career, Amleset is also an accomplished filmmaker, having written and produced several films, including "Sile Fikir," "Adoption," and the documentary "Green Ethiopia." As a spokesperson for Etete Dairy products in Ethiopia, Amleset has used her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues facing Ethiopia. She has been a vocal advocate for sustainable practices and the protection of the country's natural resources. In 2018, Amleset participated in the UN Women First 5 Kilometers run, where she won the Icon Women's race in a time of 25.25. Her dedication to fitness and healthy living has inspired many young women in Ethiopia to pursue an active lifestyle. On September 27th, 2012, Amleset married the renowned Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. The couple has four children together. Amleset Muchie is an accomplished woman who has made significant contributions to the film industry, modeling, and environmental advocacy. Her dedication to promoting sustainable practices and empowering women has earned her respect and admiration in Ethiopia and beyond. She continues to inspire young women to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities.
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