Ethiopian Super Model Liya Kebede is the New Face of L'Oreal Paris
By Tigrai Online
Ethiopian model, actress and humanitarian, Liya Kebede, is the latest face of L'Oreal Paris.
"It is important for me that I represent a brand that reflects my personality. I'm pleased to play a part in sharing the uniqueness, the charisma, and the incredible stories of women of all origins and from all regions of the world," the 33-year-old said in a statement on Monday.
Kebede, who is the mother of two children, has appeared on several high-fashion magazine covers and had a small role in The Good Shepherd in 2006 alongside Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie.
for the World Health Oganization (WHO), for maternal, neonatal and infant healthcare. A few months later, she established the Liya Kebede Foundation, raising money for the Durame Hospital in Awassa, Ethiopia, with the goal of providing healthcare material.
She joins fellow L'Oreal Paris spokeswomen Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani.
Background
Liya Kebede (born January 3, 1978) is an Ethiopian model, maternal health advocate, clothing designer and actress who has appeared three times on the cover of US Vogue . According to Forbes, Kebede was eleventh-highest-paid top model in the world in 2007. Since 2005, Kebede has served as the WHO's Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
Liya Kebede was born January 3, 1978 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. A film director spotted her while she was attending Lycee Guebre Mariam and introduced her to a French modeling agent. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue work through a Parisian agency. Kebede later relocated to New York City. She has remarked that the modeling industry in Ethiopia is quite different from the catwalks on which she is now ubiquitous.
Kebede's big break came when Tom Ford asked her for an exclusive contract for his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. Her popularity in the fashion industry sky-rocketed when she appeared on the cover of the May 2002 edition of Paris Vogue, which dedicated the entire issue to her
Source US Magazine