Perhaps the prettiest black model of our time, Alek Wek comes from very
humble beginnings. Born and raised in Sudan, she relocated to London in
1991 after the civil war forced her from her home. There she learned
English and attended the College of Fashion. While in London, she was
discovered at the age of 18 in a shopping center, and her modeling
career was born. A year later, she traveled to Paris to be signed by The
Ford Modeling Agency. She, then, walked the walk in Milan and New York,
where her unusual and striking looks took the world by a storm.
Alek has done some acting, most notably the movie, The Four Feathers.
She has also done some fashion designing that includes handbags. Both
reflect her African culture and the beauty of it. Alek is very
passionate about her home country and has been able to bring much needed
attention to the plight of it. She is a member of Doctors without
Borders that allow medical professionals come into Africa and care for
the needy by bringing medicines and surgical techniques. She is on the
board of World Vision, again, another way to focus on her country’s
needs.
Like so many others who have found fame, Wek had developed herself
and her passions as a brand. Her handbags have a home of their own. The
company, called Wek1933, is known worldwide, and her autobiography was
well received several years ago. An international model, she continues
to educate the world.
