Added: 12/19/2005 |
Liya Kebede a face of Ethiopian modelsThe industry of fashion includes models from different countries. Ethiopian models are not an exception. Speaking about Ethiopian models we can't but mention the name of such well-known model as Liya Kebede. She is considered to be not only one of the best Ethiopian models but among world famous ones.
The girl was born in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, on January 3, 1980. The family of the girl was a common middle-class family. Besides the girl there were four boys in the family. While growing in such atmosphere, Liya didn't develop a lot of girly features. As for her interest in fashion, it did not go beyond the poster of a supermodel, such as Naomi Campbell, in her room.
The girl failed to meet the beauty standards that were traditional in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian men appreciated big eyes and curvaceous figures in women. As for the body shape of Liya, it was quite different. She was tall and slim. That is why she decided to try her hand in modelling. She began with a fashion show that was held in her school. At this show Liya was noticed by an art director who recommended her to a French modeling agency. The girl successfully studied at the agency and after finishing it she moved to Paris, the fashion capital. For quite a while Liya had to work hard at the bottom of the fashion industry. It can be explained by the fact that at that period fair Caucasian women were more preferable in the world of fashion. And it was pretty difficult for the Ethiopian models to achieve success in the fashion industry.
Nevertheless, Liya Kebede turned out to be a very persistent person. So, searching for a good job she moved to Chicago, after that to New York. Still the result was the same, and the success was not going to come. At that period a significant event happened in the life of the girl. She married Kassy Kebede, an Ethiopian hedge-fund manager.
The career of Liya Kebede flew high after one of Milan shows where she was noticed by Tom Ford, creative director of Gucci. He cast Liya to his show. Soon the girl worked for Chanel, Donna Karan and Dolce&Gabbana. She was also on the covers of such well-known magazine as Vogue, for both French and Americam editions.
April of 2003 was especially successful for the model. At that time Estee Lauder decided to change its image. The company signed a multimillion dollar contract, thus making the girl the first black face of the label in the whole 60-year history of the company.
The incredible beauty of Liya was used by Yves Saint Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Escada. The resume of the girl is rather impressive. It includes: Sean John, Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Versace, Valentino, Bill Blass, Fendi, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren, La Perla, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli and a lot of others.
In spite of all this hustle, Liya has a son. The boy's name is Suhul. She manages to focus both on her family and on her career. In 2005 she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health by the World Health Organization thanks to her dedication to the motherhood.
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