A Week with Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede

Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede launched her own fashion line - Lemlem - which means "to flourish or bloom" in her native Amharic.  As we walk through her week (below), I love the fact that it's less about how she looks and poses, and more about what she says and does:

Monday

Ever wanted to know what it's like to sit on the FROW (that's the runway's front row in fashionista lingo)? Or to rub shoulders with the world's A-list trendsetters? Welcome to the world of super chic Ethiopian supermodel and designer Liya Kebede.

Tuesday

Day Two and Kebede took us along to her first MM6 runway show, and she loved every minute of it! She adds: "Of course, the collection is always inspiring and fun! [It's] out of the box, very imaginative and twists the impossible into the possible."

Wednesday

Time to pack your bags, Kebede's en route to Paris for a charity event. There's no rest for this jetsetting businesswoman ... not that she minds. Here's a selfie in the airport bookstore ahead of her flight. She passionately explains: "The possibility to give back is a privilege, I feel lucky that I can do my part."

Thursday

Boujour Paris! Kebede's stepped into another of her roles: as founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, she spent the day helping brokers from consulting firm, BCG with their clients and trades. "Every year BGC commemorates colleagues lost on 9/11 by distributing the day's global revenue to dozens of charities around the world. I'm so proud that LKF can be a part of helping to focus this day."

Friday

Never forgetting her African roots, Kebede says Ethiopian weaving techniques are at the core of her label. "We use a textured fabric this season in our scarves and tunics that is traditionally used for Ethiopian wedding dresses. Supporting Ethiopian weavers and their craft has remained our central mission and we're proud we can sell a beautiful product while also helping these artisans thrive."

Saturday and Sunday

The maternal health advocate returned home in May when she spent the week with WAHA International and Save the Children. "I was stunned when I first learned that a woman was dying every minute in my home country and other developing nations from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. I'm excited at how [LKF] is continually learning and evolving to help connect more women to care," she says.

Reference: Step into a supermodel's shoes with Liya Kebede.