Liya Kebede

Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian fashion model. She rose to the spotlight after walking Gucci’s fall-winter 2000 runway show. Liya became the face of Estee Lauder cosmetics in 2003, making her the first woman of color to represent the brand. In 2011, the model signed on as an ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. Throughout her career, Liya covered magazines such as Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, V Magazine, Vogue US and Harper’s Bazaar US. The model also starred in campaigns for brands like Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta and H&M. In 2008, she launched Lemlem, a clothing line to showcase Ethiopia’s traditional weaving techniques. Liya married Ethiopian hedge fund manager Kassy Kebede in 2000. They have two children together.