Liya Kebede is the first black model to star on the cover of Vogue Paris since 2010

The model stars in the May issue of the French fashion magazine.

Vogue Paris cover starring Liya Kebede (©Inez & Vinoodh /Vogue Paris)

Liya Kebede has landed the May cover of Vogue Paris, making her the first black model to land a cover in half a decade.

Kebede has previously appeared on the cover - but her last appearance was 13 years ago, back in 2002.

Kebede is photographed by Inez & Vinoodh wearing a look from the spring/summer haute couture collection by Christian Dior.

Vogue Paris is famous for its repeat use of cover stars with Kate Moss racking up a staggering 18 covers, Catherine Deneuve with 14, Carolyn Murphy with 11 and Daria Werbowy and Lara Stone tying at 10.

Kebede is an Ethiopian-born model and advocate for maternal health. In a career spanning nearly two decades she has fronted campaigns for the likes of Tom Ford, Estee Lauder, Louis Vuitton and Victoria's Secret.

She has starred on the covers of American, Italian, Japanese, French and Spanish Vogue as well as V Magazine and i-D. She also founded clothing line Lemlem which showcases and supports the work of local weaving artisans in Ethipia.

The new cover comes at a time of increasing pressure in the fashion industry to celebrate diversity of race, colour and body image.

British Vogue hit headlines earlier this year when it put Jourdan Dunn on the cover making her the first female solo black cover start for 12 years.