Liya Kebede is a supermodel born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
While in school at the French Lycee, a film director spotted Liya and introduced her to a French modelling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue work through a local Parisian agency. After a short time, Liya re-located to NYC where she currently resides with her husband Kassy and their son Suhul.
She has been seen on the covers of Italian, Japanese and Spanish Vogue, V, French, Flair, i-D and Time's Style & Design.
Liya has been featured in ad campaigns including Gap, YSL, Emanuel Ungaro, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana and currectly in S/S 2004 ads for Escada and Louis Vuitton.
Liya was resently named the newest face of Estee Lauder cosmetics, the first woman of color to serve as their representative in the company's 57-year history. This compelled the New York Times to write an article about how Liya has successfully triumphed over the challenges that face colored models in today's industry.
Liya has also established herself amongst the ranks of fashion's elite on the NY - Milan - Paris runway circuit. Her big break came when Tom Ford asked Liya to walk in exclusive for his Gucci A/W 2000 fashion show.
