Alek Wek, the African born supermodel, was born on April 16, 1977 in Wau, South Sudan. She grew up in a large family with eight siblings. At the age of 14, she and her family were forced to flee their home country due to the turmoil of the civil war.
After escaping Sudan, Alek Wek began her journey towards becoming a successful model. She was discovered at a London street market by a model scout and soon signed with an agency. Wek's unique beauty and striking features quickly caught the attention of the fashion world.
Wek has walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Shiatzy Chen, John Galliano, Chanel, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Jasper Conran. She has appeared in numerous high profile fashion campaigns and was named model of the year in 1997 by MTV.
Wek's influence in the fashion industry led her to a role as a guest judge on Tyra Banks' popular television show, America's Next Top Model. Her insights and expertise were highly valued by both contestants and viewers alike.
Despite her busy career, Alek Wek remains close to her family and values her roots in South Sudan. She continues to use her platform as a successful model to bring attention to issues affecting her homeland and other refugee communities around the world.
Wek is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, working with organizations that provide aid and support to refugees and displaced persons. She uses her voice to speak out against injustices and to promote peace and understanding among different cultures and communities.
Alek Wek's influence on the fashion industry goes beyond her modeling career. She has broken barriers and challenged traditional beauty norms, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her presence has inspired a new generation of models and designers to embrace their unique qualities and strive for success.
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