ALEK WEK

Alek Wek: A Trailblazing Journey from South Sudan to Global Fashion Icon

Early Life and Background

Alek Wek was born on April 16, 1977, in Wau, a town in what is now South Sudan. She is a member of the Dinka ethnic group and was raised in a large family as the seventh of nine children. Her father, Athian, was an education official, and her mother, Akuol, was a housewife. The family lived in modest conditions without electricity or running water. In 1985, civil war erupted in Sudan, leading the Wek family to flee their home. Tragically, her father passed away due to complications from a hip injury sustained during their displacement. In 1991, at the age of 14, Alek and her family sought refuge in the United Kingdom, settling in London. ​

Education and Discovery

Upon arriving in London, Alek faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. She enrolled at the London College of Fashion, where she studied Fashion Business and Technology. In 1995, while shopping at an outdoor market in Crystal Palace, she was discovered by a scout from Models 1 agency. This chance encounter marked the beginning of her modeling career. ​

Breakthrough in Modeling

Alek's first significant exposure came when she appeared in Tina Turner's "GoldenEye" music video in 1995. The following year, she signed with Ford Models and quickly gained prominence in the fashion industry. In 1997, she made history by becoming the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle magazine. Her unique look challenged traditional beauty standards and paved the way for greater diversity in modeling. ​

Fashion Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Alek has worked with renowned designers and brands, including John Galliano, Chanel, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Jasper Conran. She has graced the covers of major fashion magazines such as American, French, German, and South African Elle, as well as i-D, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Ebony. In 2004, she made history again by becoming the first Black model to close the Chanel haute couture show as the "bride." ​

Humanitarian Efforts

Beyond modeling, Alek is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. Since 2002, she has served as an advisor to the U.S. Committee for Refugees Advisory Council, raising awareness about the situation in Sudan and the plight of refugees worldwide. She is also a missionary for World Vision, an organization combating AIDS, and an ambassador for Doctors Without Borders in Sudan. In 2007, she published her autobiography, "Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel," detailing her journey from a childhood in Sudan to international fame. ​

Personal Life

Alek resided in Brooklyn, New York, and was in a relationship with Italian real estate developer Riccardo Sala from 2001 to 2013. She is the aunt of runway model Ataui Deng. Despite her success, Alek remains grounded and uses her platform to advocate for refugees and promote diversity in the fashion industry. ​

Legacy and Impact

Alek Wek's influence extends beyond the runway. She has inspired countless individuals, including actress Lupita Nyong'o, who cited Alek as a role model for embracing her own beauty. Alek's trailblazing career has challenged and reshaped perceptions of beauty in the fashion world, making her a true icon and advocate for change.