Philanthropist, supermodel, and actress, Liya Kebede, created lemlem, a unique, playful, and modern women's and children's clothing line with a spirit undeniably African. The brand's inspiration arose during a trip with her husband to their native Ethiopia. While visiting thousands of traditional weavers who no longer had a market for their goods, Kebede felt a need to preserve their art form while simultaneously creating job opportunities. Meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish" in Amharic, lemlem is handmade in Ethiopia from natural cotton and is rooted in tradition, but woven with a modern touch. It aims to add a sense of diversity to the fashion market while fueling prosperity in another. Liya's clothing line is another voice for African causes as well as a beautiful embodiment of its traditions and culture. While lemlem supports an economy, her Foundation supports a cause, and both raise awareness for and are dedicated to mothers and children. Lemlem launched in February 2007.