Alek wek

A lot of people especially want to know about going into business. But it's a two-way conversation.

For me, there has never been one definition of beauty. I think we all have something to offer and when beauty shines from within, there can be no denying it

I believe that true beauty comes from inside you and that always shows through. I have no problem with whatever the next look is, whether it's big blonde hair and blue eyes or green hair and dark eyes. That's fine so long as there isn't just one ideal image.

You don't have to go with the crowd.

You can't buy enlightenment, but you can hire a mirror so you can watch it happen.

When it’s all said and done I would like to look back and think that I help to make modelling a possibility for a greater number of people. I don’t do things that I will regret in the future. I tend to err on the side of caution. Not to mention the fact that the present world I reside in would not have been possible without my past. I am most proud of being able to represent my family and community with honour and dignity.

I learnt just how little it takes to survive, which is why I don’t waste things – food, money, friendships or opportunities.

There are models who don't eat. That's worrisome - you need the right amount of gas to get going.

I wore hot pants and cowboy boots and I thought, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

Fashion shows are glamorous for 20 minutes.

Beauty is deeper than just what you look at in a picture. You could fancy what you like, but as a woman my mother always raised us to believe in ourselves. I'm very grateful for the fact that my mother brought me up that way.

I have no problem with whatever the next big look is. Just don't try and tell me that only one look is beautiful.

Pressure only makes you sick. You won't get anything positive out of it.

I'm trying to grow older with wisdom.

Maybe I do have a few more dresses, but I'm just like everyone else.

My boyfriend isn't a rock star. His values are rock solid. We met at a dinner and he made me laugh.

If we don't take care of each other, who will? ... I don't want to ever say, 'I should've done something.'

In my country, families are raised as though they are one. Although I am from the Dinka tribe, my parents didn't raise us as the Dinka tribe. They raised us as the Wek family, in the way they believed their children should grow up. So when you leave, the first thing you think is the ones you left behind. It's natural to help them in any way you can. I found a way to support myself rather than asking my Mum to give me money. I would work before school and send money back to pay for their rent and food.

I think I enjoy London the best as it's where I started my career. But Paris is beautiful too.

Not everyone is selfish in fashion. There are people who go to bed feeling good about themselves and then spread the love.

To have this opportunity, in light of my familys struggles, made me want to create something lasting and relevant.

Author details

Alek Wek: Biography and Life Work

Alek Wek was a notable Model. The story of Alek Wek began on 16 April 1977 in Wau, Sudan.

Alek Wek (born 16 April 1977) is a South Sudanese –British model and designer who began her fashion career at the age of 18 in 1995. She has been hailed for her influence on the perception of beauty in the fashion industry . She is from the Dinka ethnic group in South Sudan , but fled to Britain in 1991 to escape the civil war in Sudan . In 2015, she was listed as one of BBC's 100 Women .

Legacy and Personal Influence

Personally, Alek Wek was married to Riccardo Sala.

Philosophical Views and Reflections

In September 2015 Alek walked for Marc Jacobs at Spring/Summer 2016 New York Fashion Week , later appearing in the label's Spring Summer 2016 campaign. In May 2016, she modelled for four special edition covers of Brazilian Elle .

As of 2009 Wek resided in Brooklyn , New York. She was in a relationship with Riccardo Sala, an Italian real estate developer, for twelve years; they separated in 2013. She is the aunt of the runway model Ataui Deng .

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