Manager
Model Liya is signed with these modeling agencies –
- IMG Models – London
- IMG Models – New York
- IMG Models – Sydney
- Viva Models – Paris
- D’Management Group – Milan
- Iconic Management – Hamburg
Build
Slim
Height
5 ft 10 in or 178 cm
Weight
57 kg or 126 pounds
Spouse
In 2000, she married Ethiopian hedge fund manager Kassy Kebede. Together, the couple has two children, son Suhul (b. 2001) and daughter Raee (b. August 2005). They lived in NYC before getting publicly separated in 2015.
Race / Ethnicity
Black
Hair Color
Dark Brown
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Distinctive Features
- Tiny body frame
- Legs
- Smile
Measurements
33-23-34 in or 84-58.5-86 cm
Dress Size
4 (US) or 34 (EU)
Bra Size
32A
Shoe Size
9 (US) or 40 (EU) or 6.5 (UK)
Brand Endorsements
Liya has advertised for brands and designers like Ann Taylor, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Emanuel Ungaro, Escada, Estee Lauder, Gap, Givenchy, H&M, J.Crew, Jones New York, Kenzo, Lanvin, Lord & Taylor, L’Oreal, Louis Vuitton, St. John, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Hilfiger, Vidal Sassoon, and Yves Saint Laurent (YSL).
Religion
She seems to be half-Christian and half-Muslim.
Best Known For
Having worked with numerous fashion designers such as YSL, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, L’Oreal, etc.
First Fashion Show
Liya debuted with Ready to Wear – Spring / Summer 2000 fashion show where she walked the ramp for BCBG Max Azria, and Ralph Lauren.
First Film
In 2005, Liya appeared in crime drama film Lord of War for her role as Faith.
Personal Trainer
She works out, most preferably yoga and eats mostly organic and healthy food. Liya keeps a balance between all the things – fitness, fashion, etc.
Liya Kebede Favorite Things
- Beauty Icon – Jane Birkin
- Beauty Products – L’Oreal True Match Foundation, L’Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss in Natural Nude, Voluminous Mascara by L’Oreal
- Salon – A Dominican salon in Harlem (She didn’t reveal the name intentionally)
- Hair Products – Kerastase products, Elnett hairspray
- Workout – Yoga
- Shoes – Schier’s black leather Erongo shoes
- Designers – Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang
You can also check out her 9 favorite fashion related things on AOL.
Liya Kebede Facts
- Liya is the first Estee Lauder model of colour. She had a deal with Estee Lauder where she was paid 3 million dollars every year for 3 years.
- In Ethiopia, she had to bring her own shoes for the fashion shows during the catwalk.
- She was discovered by a film director when she was studying at Lycee Guebre-Mariam. She was then introduced to a French modeling agent.
- In 2005, she was made WHO’s ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
- In 2008, she launched her own clothing line called “Lemlem.” In Amharic language, it means “to bloom.”
- She has started a non-profit organization called “Liya Kebede Foundation” to reduce maternal and child deaths.
- Due to her philanthropic work, she was chosen as Glamour’s Women of the Year in 2013.
- In 2007, she became the world’s 11th highest-paid top model as per Forbes.
- As a kid, she was like studying most of the time – sitting in the corner fully focussed in her books.
- Connect with Liya on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.