Back in the radical old days, brothers would say, “Black is beautiful.” And oh brother were they right about Liya Kebede! The Ethiopian-born beauty is an actress, clothing designer, maternal health advocate, and former Victoria’s Secret model who repeatedly graced the cover of Vogue magazine. Liya also has the distinction of being the first sister to pose for Estee Lauder. The famous perfumer gave the svelte stunner a $3 million, three-year contract. Not that Liya has to worry about money since she’s begun a lucrative film career. The ebony ingénue made her movie debut in the Nicolas Cage blockbuster Lord of War (2005), where she seductively dances in alluring attire for the famous actor. After casting agent James Scully referred to Ms. Kebede as “an exotic Grace Kelly,” she confirmed her global draw by appearing in the American spy film The Good Shepherd (2006) directed by Robert De Niro; the French drama Capital (2012) directed by Costa-Gavras; and the Italian psychological thriller The Best Offer (2013) directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. Of course, here at Skin Central, we’re partial to Liya’s starring part in the German biopic Desert Flower (2009). Centered around the life of Somali model, author, actress and human rights activist Waris Dirie, Sherry Hormann’s R-rated drama takes on the heavy topic of female genital mutilation. Fortunately, the film also has its topless leading lady taking off her panties to prove baby got back and bare booty during a revealing photo shoot. No wonder they say, “Power to the peephole!”
