Liya Kebede Height, Weight, Age, Body Statistics

Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian model, actress, maternal health advocate, and clothing designer who has done modeling work for a variety of brands and designers such as Shiatzy Chen, Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Emanuel Ungaro, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Yves Saint-Laurent, Revlon, Calvin Klein, and many more. She has also been featured in numerous magazines such as V, i-D, and Vogue. As an actress, she has appeared in films like Innocence, Sur la Piste du Marsupilami, Nicky Larson et le Parfum de Cupidon, and The Good Shepherd.

Born Name

Liya Kebede

Nick Name

Liya

Sun Sign

Pisces

Born Place

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Nationality

Education

Liya attended a French international school Lycée Guebre-Mariam in Addis Ababa.

Occupation

Model, actress, clothing designer, humanitarian (maternal health advocate)

Family

• Siblings – She has 4 brothers.

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 36 (EU)

Shoe Size

9 (US) or 39.5 (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, Esteé Lauder, Gap, Givenchy, H&M, J.Crew, Jones New York, Kenzo, Lanvin, Lord & Taylor, L’Oréal, 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 the 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’Oréal True Match Foundation, L’Oréal 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 – Kérastase products, Elnett hairspray
• Workout – Yoga
• Shoes – Schier’s black leather Erongo shoes
• Designers – Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang

Source – NY Times, Elle

Liya Kebede Facts

1. Liya is the first Estee Lauder model of color. She had a deal with Estee Lauder where she was paid 3 million dollars every year for 3 years.
2. In Ethiopia, she had to bring her own shoes for the fashion shows during the catwalk.
3. She was discovered by a film director when she was studying at Lycée Guebre-Mariam. She was then introduced to a French modeling agent.
4. In 2005, she was made WHO’s Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
5. In 2008, she launched her own clothing line called “Lemlem.” In Amharic language, it means “to bloom.”
6. She has started a non-profit organization called the “Liya Kebede Foundation” to reduce maternal and child deaths.
7. Due to her philanthropic work, she was chosen as Glamour’s Women of the Year in 2013.
8. In 2007, she became the world’s 11th highest-paid top model as per Forbes.
9. As a kid, she was like studying most of the time – sitting in the corner fully focussed on her books.