Through her trailblazing campaigns and entrepreneurial philanthropic work, Liya Kebede has established herself as a true supermodel in the fashion industry.

Kebede made her debut in 1999, walking for Ralph Lauren and BCBG Max Azria during New York Fashion Week. She soon caught the eye of Tom Ford, who personally selected her to walk in his show for Gucci, and by 2001, she was the face of Yves Saint-Laurent with a subsequent cover of French Vogue.

The Ethiopian’s timeless beauty has graced the covers of the American, German, Korean, Italian, Japanese, French and Spanish editions of Vogue, along with The Last Magazine, System, Conde Nast Traveler, Elle France, Document Journal, Grazie and Harper Bazaar.

Kebede has been integral in the fashion’s movement towards inclusion, breaking ground as the first black spokesmodel for Estee Lauder and then becoming an ambassador for cosmetic giant, L’oreal. at the same time, she has fronted the advertising campaigns for a diverse portfolio of brands including Loewe, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Revlon, Louis Vuitton, J.Crew, and Calvin Klein’s Eternity Fragrance.

The multi-dimensional talent has successfully crossed into other ventures, establishing herself in the film and through her entrepreneurial endeavors. she has taken a variety of film roles, acting alongside the likes of Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie.

in 2007, Liya Kebede launched LemLem- a line of sustainable, handmade clothing and accessories made by artisans from her home of Ethiopia. Kebede has used her platform to champion an array of activist efforts. she has served as the goodwill ambassador for maternal, newborn, and child health with the world health organization since 2005.

She is also the founder of the LemLem Foundation, which has worked to expand access to healthcare and economic opportunities for African women. In 2010, Kebede was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in recognition of her many philanthropic efforts.

Moreover, Liya Kebede’s influence transcends the realms of fashion, film, and philanthropy as she passionately engages with literature through her ‘Liyabraire’ instagram page. Liya has created a virtual sanctuary for bibliophiles, sharing her literary explorations, cherished book recommendations, and insightful musings on the transformative power of storytelling. A unique highlight of her literary endeavors is the introduction of the BB bookbags—an inspired collection dedicated exclusively to carrying books. available in 11 captivating colors.

Liya is based in Paris, France and is represented by dna model management.