Liya Kebede

Liya Kebede Introduction

The Ethiopian supermodel with the sharp features and angular body has graced the covers of the biggest fashion magazines in the world, entertaining bored men in dentists offices all over the world.

Life Story

Kebede was born and raised in Ethiopia. When she was a teenager, a film director spotted her and told her he could introduce her to an agent. Whether or not this was a sleazy attempt to sleep with her is unclear, but what is clear is that the director did in fact introduce her to a French modeling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to model.

Liya's big break came when she was asked for an exclusive contract for a fall/winter Gucci show. This established her amongst the modeling elite, alongside Tyra Banks and Kate Moss. In 2003 she was named the newest face of Estee Lauder cosmetics, making her the first person of color to serve as their representative in the company's 57 year history.

Unlike many others who make it in the fashion industry, Liya didn't immediately start dating Leonardo DiCaprio, and in fact focused her effort on working for the World Health Organization, as an ambassador for child health. In summer fo 2006 she was given the cover of American Vogue, which contained an article about her humanitarian work, that men everywhere pretended to read while staring at the pictures in front of their girlfriends.

As of July 2007, Liya is earning an estimated total of 2.5 dollars a year, making her one of the top fifteen earning supermodels in the world. She has also recently had minor roles in "The Good Shepherd," with Matt Damon, and "Lord of War," with Nicholas Cage's hair.