Alek Wek

Alek Wek is a South Sudanese-British supermodel and designer, born on April 16, 1977, in Wau, Sudan (now South Sudan). She gained prominence in the mid-1990s for her distinctive features and became one of the first dark-skinned models to achieve international success. Discovered at age 18 while studying at the London College of Fashion, Wek quickly rose to fame, gracing the covers of major magazines and walking for top designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, and Alexander McQueen. Her presence challenged traditional beauty standards in the fashion industry and paved the way for greater diversity on the runway .

Beyond her modeling career, Wek is an advocate for refugee rights and humanitarian causes. Having fled civil war in Sudan with her family, she understands the struggles of displaced individuals. She has worked with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and World Vision, aiming to raise awareness and support for refugees and marginalized communities. In 2007, she released her autobiography, Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel, detailing her journey from war-torn Sudan to the global fashion stage .

Wek's journey has inspired many, including actress Lupita Nyong'o, who cited Wek as a significant influence on her own self-acceptance and understanding of beauty . Reflecting on her experiences, Wek has shared empowering messages, such as:

"You are beautiful just as you are, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
"True beauty shines from within."
"Be proud of who you are and where you come from."
These quotes encapsulate her commitment to self-empowerment and challenging conventional standards of beauty.