The Miami Herald is reporting that international model-actress Liya Kebede has been named the "new face" of L'Oréal. Kebede's career began when she was in high school in Addis-Adaba, Ethiopia. Scouted by a modeling agency, she left Africa for France at the age of 18, and top-level international designers like Tom Ford, then the artistic director for Gucci, quickly hired her.
Since then, her elegance and her beauty have been seen at Fashion Weeks around the world, and she has been featured on covers of international fashion magazines (Vogue, Flair, I-D), emerging as a key figure in the fashion industry. Kebede has also appeared in several films, including 2006's The Good Shepherd and Desert Flower in 2009.
In addition to her beauty, Kebede is a goodwill ambassador for the World Health Organization, for maternal, neonatal and infant health care. Her commitment was such that, just a few months later, she established the Liya Kebede Foundation, raising money for the Durame Hospital in Awassa, Ethiopia, with the goal of providing health care material.
In 2007 she created her own clothing line, Lemlem, which aims to support the trade of local artisans in Africa by highlighting their expert craftsmanship and helping to create self-sustaining economies.
"Liya is a very strong, inspiring and courageous woman, with an extremely refined and enchanting beauty. Her generous commitment to the cause of women's well-being is also remarkable," says Cyril Chapuy, Global Brand president of L'Oréal 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," says Kebede.
Kebede joins Ines de la Fressange, Gwen Stefani, Freida Pinto, Jane Fonda, Aimee Mullins, Jennifer Lopez, Laetitia Casta, Beyoncé and Gerard Butler.
Don't hate her because she's beautiful … and smart … and caring … and giving … and loving … and grounded. Can you say "total package"?
Read more at the Miami Herald.
In other news: WNBA Reaches 15-Year Milestone.
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