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Alek Wek

Early Life and Education

Born on April 16, 1977, in Wau, South Sudan, Alek Wek was the eighth of nine children in a modest family. In 1985, as civil war escalated in Sudan, Wek and her family were forced to flee. During their journey, her father passed away due to complications from paralysis and internal bleeding. At the age of 14, Wek resettled in London, where she later attended the London College of Fashion, pursuing a degree in Fashion Business and Technology.

Related Biography: Angie Goff

Discovery and Modeling Breakthrough

In 1995, Wek was discovered by model scout Fiona Ellis while shopping at a market in London's Crystal Palace. That same year, she appeared in the music video for "GoldenEye" by Tina Turner, marking her entry into the modeling world. In 1996, she signed with Ford Models and gained wider recognition after featuring in Janet Jackson's "Got 'Til It’s Gone" music video. Her outstanding rise was acknowledged in 1997 when MTV named her "Model of the Year."

International Modeling Career

Over the years, Alek Wek has become one of the most respected supermodels globally. She has walked the runway for esteemed fashion houses including Christian Dior, John Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Tommy Hilfiger, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Sonia Rykiel, Diane von Furstenberg, Viktor & Rolf, Emporio Armani, Zac Posen, and Hermès. Wek has also graced the covers of high-profile publications such as Elle, Cosmopolitan, and various international fashion magazines, though contrary to some reports, not Forbes.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 16 Apr, 1977
Age: 42 yrs
Occupations: Supermodel
Actor
Model
Citizenship: South Sudan
Sweden
Birth Place: Wau
Education: London College of Fashion
Gender: Female
Description: South Sudanese British model and designer
Net Worth 2021: 20 million
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Last Modified: May 6 2025
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