Alek Wek
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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.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 16 Apr, 1977
- Age
- 42 yrs
- Occupations
- Supermodel
Actor
Model
Show all facts
- 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
People Mentioned in This Biography
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.
