When Ethiopian models come into picture - facial features, bone structure, skin tone and hair structure of Ethiopians are a perfect balance between darker South and West Africans and whiter Caucasians.
Quite a few ethnic Ethiopian models have gained notoriety in the past decades.
- The most known among Ethiopian women is Liya Kebede, who came to be the first Ethiopian supermodel, as well as the firth black model to represent Estee Lauder cosmetic brand. Liya moved from Addis Ababa to Paris at the age of 18, at 19 she was personally selected by Tom Ford for Gucci fashion show, and in 2002 an entire Paris Vogue edition was dedicated to the model. Since then Liya has appeared on numerous covers (Vogue, Flair, Time's Style and Design Escada, etc), featured in big ad campains for Yves Saint-Laurent, Dolce&Gabbana, Escada, Louis Vuitton, Victoria's Secret, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Revlon and more), signed heavy contracts, and is named among the richest supermodels in the world.
- Among the other well-known models of Ethiopian descent is Gelila Bekele, who has featured in print ad campaigns for Levi's, Pantene, L'Oreal, Colgate and many more, appeared in Marie Claire, Allure and fashion magazines, and is signed with Ford Models. She is one of the most beautiful ethiopian women.
- Ethiopian Anna Getaneh, born in Sweden, who made her first appearance in 1990 in "Sports Illustrated", walked for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Christian Dior, appeared on the covers of Vogue.
- Lydia Asghedom, born in Addis Ababa, who moved to San Diego at the age of 10, has been in over 200 fashion shows and has done ads for Michael Kors, Macy’s, AT&T. Somalian-Ethiopian Fatima Siad was a finalist from the 2008 cycle of the popular reality show “America’s Next Top Model", and in 2009 Sara Nuru of Ethiopian descent, born and living in Germany, became the winner of the fourth season of "Germany's Next Top Model", and its first winner of color.
- Gate Maya Haile, whose family moved to Holland when she was a child, is currently signed with Elite, IMG and Ford Models modeling agencies. In 2011, Maya was invited to host "Ethiopia’s Next Number One Model" reality show, where the winning contestant gets a three-year contract with a top international agency and travel opportunities to walk for high-fashion designers in Europe and the U.S. The popular reality show is an initiative to offer Ethiopian women access to international modeling opportunities.
Ethiopian models, framing a blend of brown skin, traditional facial features, and modeling body structure, allow for the necessary browning of dominant standards, sought by advertisers. Ethiopian beauty is a clue to meeting conservative beauty stereotypes, still aligned with a "white" facial and body structure, in a darker face.
It is impossible not to note the beauty of Ethiopian women with graceful figure, big eyes and a wonderful smile . In the Top 15 most beautiful Ethiopian women includes famous actress, singer , model and winner of beauty pageants of Ethiopian descent and living in Ethiopia or abroad.
- 15. Hayat Ahmed Mohammed (born 1982) is the 2003 Miss World contender from Ethiopia.
- 14. Helen Getachew (born January 13, 1990) - Miss Universe Ethiopia 2012
- 13. Tahounia Rubel (born February 20, 1988 Gondar, Ethiopia) is an Israeli fashion model and television personality.
- 12. Fershgenet Melaku better known as LoLa Monroe (born October 23, 1986, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) is an Ethiopian-born American rapper, model and actress.
- 11. Hiwot Assefa Tesfaye (born 1990) Miss Ethiopia World 2010 and Miss Intercontinental Africa 2009
- 10. Sayat Demissie - is Ethiopian model, singer and actress.
- 9. Yordanos Teshager - is Ethiopian supermodel.
- 8. Eden Teni (born 1994, Ethiopia) - South African model of Ethiopian origin.
- 7. Tegest Mesfin - is Ethiopian model.
- 6. Gelila Bekele (born September 4,1986) is an Ethiopian model.
- 5. Sara Nuru (born August 19, 1989) is a German fashion model.
- 4. Senait Gidey (born 1995) - Canadian model of Ethiopian descent.
- 3. Liya Kebede (born March 1, 1978) is an Ethiopian born model, clothing designer.
- 2. Zeudi Araya (born 10 February 1951,Dekemhare) is an Italian actress of Ethiopian descent.
- 1. Mearg "Magi" Tareke (born 1991, Adwa, Ethiopia) - American supermodel of Ethiopian descent. In my opinion she is most beautiful among ethiopian women.
