Liya Kebede Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Liya Kebede is an Ethiopian-born supermodel, fashion designer, actress, and maternal-health advocate whose career has spanned high fashion runways, sustainable fashion entrepreneurship, and global philanthropy.

Introduction

Liya Kebede (born March 1, 1978) has long reigned among fashion’s elite — and built a reputation far beyond the runway. With an estimated multimillion-dollar fortune, she’s also known for founding a sustainable clothing brand and for her advocacy on behalf of maternal and child health. Her personal life, including her relationships and family, is an integral part of her story. This profile dives into Liya Kebede’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday — while tracing the remarkable journey that shaped her worldwide influence.

Quick Facts

Rising From Addis Ababa to Global Runways

Liya Kebede’s story begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she was born and raised as the only daughter among five children. Her early life was shaped by a culturally rich upbringing — attending the French-language Lycée Guébré-Mariam, becoming fluent in French and English, and learning to navigate multiple worlds from a young age. 

A film director spotted her during school, opening a door to the fashion world. Though her first move to Paris was brief and lonely, it fueled a deeper resolve. She later relocated to Chicago to be close to her brothers, and eventually to New York — the heart of the fashion industry. 

Her breakthrough came in 2000 when famed designer Tom Ford personally selected her to walk for Gucci’s Fall/Winter runway show. That moment would mark the beginning of a meteoric rise. Within two years, she graced the cover of French Vogue — a landmark issue largely dedicated to her.

Defining moments in Liya Kebede’s journey include:

• Being discovered while studying at Lycée Guébré-Mariam in Addis Ababa.

• Making her runway debut in 2000 for Gucci under Tom Ford’s direction.

• Landing the May 2002 cover of French Vogue — a pivotal signal of her international stardom.

• Signing as the first Black spokesmodel of global cosmetics brand Estée Lauder. 

This blend of early cultural grounding, linguistic fluency, and bold international ambition laid the foundation for her success.

The Core Pillars of Liya Kebede’s Wealth

The core pillars of Liya Kebede’s wealth include:

• Global Modeling & Brand Endorsements — From runway shows to major advertising campaigns for fashion houses and beauty brands.

• Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurship — Through her brand Lemlem, which channels Ethiopian craftsmanship to a global audience.

• Acting & Media Presence — Including film roles and media visibility that bolster her market value.

• Advocacy & Social Impact Work — A less tangible but reputation-enhancing pillar, giving her a platform well beyond fashion.

These diversified streams combine to create a robust financial foundation and sustained relevance across industries.

Personal Life & Relationships: Between Family and Fame

Liya Kebede’s personal life intersects with her professional one in meaningful ways.

She was married to Ethiopian hedge-fund manager Kassy Kebede in 2000. The couple had two children: a son, Suhul (born September 2000), and a daughter, Raee (born August 2005). 

Even as modeling norms often discouraged motherhood, Liya embraced both motherhood and career — a balancing act that deepened her resolve and grounded her rises. 

Key insights into Liya Kebede’s relationships and personal life:

• She built a family with Kassy Kebede, becoming a mother of two.

• Her decision to continue modeling after her son’s birth challenged industry norms — showing that mother-hood and a high-fashion career are not mutually exclusive. 

• Her Ethiopian heritage remains a central anchor — influencing not just her personal identity but her philanthropic and entrepreneurial choices.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Assets & Passions

Beyond career success, Liya Kebede leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Ethical Fashion & Cultural Preservation: She founded Lemlem to preserve traditional Ethiopian weaving by creating job opportunities for local artisans. The brand emphasizes “Made in Ethiopia” — blending heritage with global fashion sensibilities.

• Advocacy and Philanthropy: Through the Liya Kebede Foundation, she focuses on maternal, newborn, and child health in Ethiopia and beyond — channeling her global influence into meaningful social change.

• Global Lifestyle with Roots: While her work spans continents, she repeatedly returns to Ethiopia for inspiration and to stay connected to her roots.

Her lifestyle, therefore, doesn’t just reflect affluence — it’s rooted in a conscious commitment to heritage and social impact.

Estimating the Numbers: Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Liya Kebede’s net worth is reflective not only of high-earning modeling contracts but also entrepreneurial ventures and brand partnerships. While exact figures are not always publicly disclosed, multiple sources describe her as a multimillionaire.

While no publicly available source provides a precise net worth figure as of today, the consistent classification of Liya Kebede as “multimillionaire” suggests her cumulative wealth across modeling, design, acting, and social-impact ventures remains significant.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Liya Kebede’s legacy isn’t limited to runway accolades. She’s widely respected for redefining what success for a model — especially a woman of African origin — can look like. Her influence spans multiple domains:

• Fashion & Representation: As one of the first globally successful Ethiopian models and the first Black face of a major cosmetics brand, she opened doors for greater diversity in modeling.

• Sustainable & Ethical Business: Through Lemlem, she’s elevated Ethiopian craftsmanship and offered a model for socially conscious fashion entrepreneurship.

• Global Advocacy: Her work with the World Health Organization and her foundation has brought increased visibility to maternal and child health issues — using her celebrity status to champion humanitarian causes. 

Ultimately, she’s perceived not just as a star, but as a bridge — connecting high fashion, social enterprise, and global health advocacy. Her public image carries dignity, purpose, and influence.

Conclusion

Liya Kebede’s journey — from Addis Ababa schoolgirl to global supermodel, entrepreneur, mother, and humanitarian — weaves together beauty, business acumen, and heartfelt purpose. With a birthdate of March 1, 1978; a birthday celebrated each March 1; and a net worth built through decades of modeling, brand creation, and advocacy, her story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and compassion.

Her relationships, including her marriage to Kassy Kebede and motherhood of two children, reflect a life that balances personal grounding with professional ambition. Through Lemlem and her foundation, Liya Kebede’s influence extends far beyond red carpets and photo shoots — into communities, livelihoods, and global conversations about health and empowerment.

In a world often divided between glamour and social good, Liya Kebede stands as proof that one can walk runways and fight for change — that success can carry responsibility, heritage, and heart.