What was Alek Wek's journey from a war-torn Sudanese village to the glitz and glamour of international modeling? How did a young girl, urged by her dying father to seek education and peace, become a successful model and business owner in New York? How did she navigate the challenges of racism in the fashion industry and use her influence to bring attention to the crisis in her homeland? Step into the world of Alek, where resilience, determination, and honoring heritage play a pivotal role in shaping a meaningful future.

Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel

Alek Wek was packing for a flight to London when her driver called, signaling he was ready. Alek grabbed a few small bottles of moisturizer from her “toss bag” of beauty products, packed her WEK 1933 kit bag, and headed out. It always felt surreal carrying a bag that she designed, with her father’s name and birth year engraved on it, like a piece of home with her. After a brief goodbye to her assistant, Alek was off into the bustling New York traffic.

In no time, Alek was at the airport, sipping tea in the business-class lounge before her flight. As a model, Alek is expected to look fresh even after a transatlantic flight, so she went straight to sleep on the plane. London holds a special place in her heart, being her fourth home after Sudan, a small rural village, and Khartoum. She arrived at her agent’s office in Chelsea early in the morning, discussed bookings, payments, and problems, and then rushed off to a photo shoot.

The shoot was a typical chaotic affair with loud music and stressed-out stylists. Alek found it amusing how her British accent returned as soon as she landed in London, blending back into the city that taught her English. After the shoot, Alek felt a pang of loneliness from jet lag but decided to visit her mother instead of heading straight to bed. 

Her mother greeted her with a warm smile, and they had a wonderful supper with some of her siblings, chatting away in their native Dinka. Her mother’s dried-okra stew and kissra tasted better than any four-star meal.

The next morning, her flight to Germany was canceled, making her late for runway show fittings, but the show went well. Exhausted, Alek crashed at her hotel before flying to Milan for fashion week. Milan buzzed with energy as she prepared for eight shows in the coming days. Journalists kept asking about her being a black African model, making her feel like an exhibit. 

One night, Alek awoke terrified by the sound of gunfire, only to realize it was a truck collecting rubbish outside her luxury hotel. It was a stark reminder of her childhood in Sudan. Back in New York, she saw a painting of sandals she had created, representing the security and strength she longed for as a child running from armed men.

Born as the seventh of nine children in Sudan, Alek, which means “black spotted cow,” is a symbol of good luck for the Dinka people. Her parents, who roamed Africa as refugees during the civil war, eventually settled in Wau, a relatively sophisticated town with good schools and businesses. They wanted their children to be free from restrictive tribal customs and to prosper in the modern world.

Despite growing up with psoriasis that made her skin itch and bleed, Alek had a pretty good childhood. Her father was a stylish, gentle man, and her mother was a strict but loving entrepreneur. They lived in a cement-block house without electricity or running water, but they never went hungry and always had clothes, even if they were hand-me-downs.

Education was important to her parents, and they ensured she did her homework every day. Her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit kept them afloat, selling garden produce and even brewing liquor. Despite the challenges, her childhood was filled with love, tradition, and resilience until the tanks of civil war rolled into Wau, changing everything.

How Did Alek Wek's Journey from Sudan to Supermodel Inspire Resilience?

Imagine growing up in a peaceful town, where the biggest worry is fetching water with your little sister. That's how life was for Alek in Wau, a small town in Sudan, until the rumble of army trucks and the presence of soldiers turned her home into a war zone. The innocence of childhood games like hide-and-seek was overshadowed by the threat of violence, forcing Alek and her family to adapt to a life dictated by the dangers of civil war.

Alek's world changed with the onset of the second Sudanese Civil War, as the government sought to impose sharia law across the country, stripping away the autonomy of the south. Her home, once a melting pot of cultures and religions, became a place of suspicion and fear, with neighbors turning against each other. The streets, once familiar and safe, were now patrolled by soldiers and lawless militias.

Despite the chaos, Alek's family held onto their daily routines, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy. But the threat was too great, and the family prepared to flee to the countryside, seeking refuge in the villages of their ancestors. Alek, her siblings, and parents embarked on a perilous journey, carrying only the essentials wrapped in sheets, leaving behind the home they loved.

The journey was fraught with challenges. They navigated through wetlands and jungles, encountering rebels and relying on their resourcefulness to find food. Through it all, Alek's mother maintained a positive spirit, turning every hardship into a lesson or a game. Her father's determination to reach safety, despite his physical pain, inspired the family to keep moving forward.

After weeks of walking, they reached the village, greeted by a new community but also facing the harsh realities of rural life. Alek longed for the comforts of her home in Wau, but she learned valuable lessons about resilience, family, and identity. The journey taught her that comfort comes from within and that the bonds of family can withstand even the darkest times.

Alek's story is one of survival and hope, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her journey from a war-torn town to the safety of the village, and eventually beyond, highlights the power of perseverance and the enduring ties of family and culture.

Alek's Odyssey: From War-Torn Wau to a Journey of Resilience and Hope

Under the shade of a large tree at the village edge, Alek and her companions shared a gourd of fresh water, feeling far removed from the muddy puddles of their journey. The villagers, mostly barefoot with colorful wraps and spears, gathered around them, curious about their town attire. Children with mud-covered bodies stared at them as if they were aliens.

The village was a mix of dry millet fields, cattle pens, and round houses with thatched roofs. They were led to their temporary home, a small hut with mud walls and a dirt floor. That night, they joined their extended family around a fire for a meal of beef stew and adung. The food, crawling with worms, was hard for Alek to swallow, but she forced it down to avoid offending their hosts.

In the morning, village life began with Alek's mother pounding grain, while Alek and her sister collected and dried okra. Her mother, a hardworking woman, busily made ghee, cheese, and yogurt from the milk of her cows. Life in the village was tough, with only one meal a day and constant chores.

One day, Alek went to fetch water from the well but was scared of falling in. A kind village girl helped her, making Alek feel more at home. The Dinka culture was rich with traditions, from body decorations to ceremonial songs and scarification rituals that marked boys' passage into manhood. However, Alek's parents refused to let her be scarred, wanting a modern future for them.

Village life was a mix of hardships and cultural pride. They learned to respect the elders, who settled disputes through public meetings, and believed in Nhialac, their deity. Despite the challenges, their family remained optimistic, finding solace in their togetherness and the hope for better days.

With the health of Alek's father deteriorating, they knew they had to leave the village. The journey back was slow and arduous, especially with her father's worsening hip and Alek's bout with malaria. They finally reached Wau, only to find it ravaged by war. Their home was occupied, but her father managed to reclaim it. Life in Wau was dangerous, with nightly gunfire and constant fear.

Determined to reach Khartoum for her father's treatment, they made several attempts to board military flights. On their third try, Alek's father and sister were allowed to leave. Left behind, Alek's mother and Alek faced rejection after rejection. Finally, Alek decided to take matters into her own hands, pretending a neighbour was her father to secure a spot on the plane. As Alek boarded, she felt a mix of fear and determination, knowing she had to help her family. 

The flight to Khartoum was silent and tense, but Alek held onto the hope of reuniting with her father and eventually bringing her family to safety.

Can One Family's Journey Through War and Tradition Triumph Over Adversity?

Alek's pretend father led her down to the tarmac, where the heat hit her like a wall. At the airport, his wife and three children looked shocked. “And this girl...?” his wife asked. “Don’t worry about her.” Then the children relaxed. Walking through the Khartoum airport, Alek was dazzled by the lights, furniture, and well-dressed people. She felt good to be there despite leaving her family. They dropped Alek at her aunt’s house in the city.

The next morning, her brother Wek came to collect her. Alek hadn’t seen him in a long time. As they traveled through Khartoum, she marveled at the two- and three-story buildings and the crowded streets. They caught a bus to a terminal in the center of the city. The men wore long white djellabas, and the women wore brightly colored or plain white topes.

At the terminal, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread filled Alek's nose. Her brother bought them Coca-Colas, her first ever. Alek gagged on the bubbles, and the Coke came out of her nose. “The same thing happened to me my first time,” her brother said.

They took a bus to their uncle Deng Tawnch’s house. Her brother warned her, “Daddy’s not well.” Alek's heart sank. She had pictured her father cured and strong. When they arrived, her father was lying on a camp bed in the living room. “My darling,” he said, hugging her. Though he was in bad condition, he was glad to see Alek. Their uncle’s house was crowded with his three wives and about a dozen children, but there was a good atmosphere.

Her uncle tried to get her father treated by a good surgeon, but nothing came of it. Alek's psoriasis was also getting worse, and the dermatologists offered no new solutions. Consequently, she spent most of her time around the house, missing her mother and siblings terribly.

After three months, the rest of her family arrived. Uncle Deng generously invited them to stay in his already crowded three-room house. They slept on thin mattresses in the living room. It was stressful, but they figured it out every night.

Alek's story took a dramatic turn when she moved to London with her sister, leaving behind the dust of Khartoum for the cool, unfamiliar streets of England. Adjusting to a new life, Alek grappled with language barriers, cultural differences, and odd jobs while marveling at the abundance around her. A chance encounter at a street fair changed everything when a modeling scout discovered her.

Despite her mother's initial skepticism, Alek took a leap of faith, stepping into the world of modeling. The transition was surreal; from a life marked by psoriasis and poverty, she found herself in glamorous studios, her unique beauty capturing the attention of photographers. Her journey from the dusty streets of Khartoum to the vibrant fashion scene of London exemplified resilience, adaptability, and the courage to seize unexpected opportunities.

Alek's tale is one of transformation, fueled by family support, the pursuit of dreams, and the determination to rise above her circumstances. Her story reminds us of the power of change and the unexpected paths life can offer when one dares to dream.

From Khartoum's Heat to London’s Runways: Alek's Inspiring Journey

Growing up in London, Alek was teased for her long legs, dark skin, round face, and short reddish hair. It seemed unimaginable that she would become a fashion model, especially after dealing with skin issues for most of her life. 

But when an agency showed interest, Alek seized the opportunity, despite her mother’s reservations. In Sudan, media exposure was minimal, and her mother associated modeling with unsavory behavior. Her mother was skeptical when Alek landed her first job for a magazine editorial, fearing exploitation.

Alek's journey began with a free portrait test for photographer Mark Mattock, which landed her in Vibe magazine and caught the attention of a casting director for Tina Turner’s GoldenEye video. This experience was eye-opening, as Alek posed in a leopard-print bikini, realizing her mother’s fears might have some truth. Despite initial doubts, the exposure led to more opportunities, including a Burger King ad styled by i-D magazine’s creative director.

Modeling was unpredictable for Alek; jobs were irregular, and she was paid per assignment. High-paying contracts with beauty or fashion brands were rare. Even top fashion photographers could earn significantly more than models. Establishing oneself required doing low-paid editorial work for magazines like Vogue to gain credibility and attract lucrative corporate jobs.

Alek's big break came when Richard Avedon wanted to shoot her for the prestigious Pirelli Calendar. Unfortunately, she missed the opportunity due to complications with her travel documents. Despite this setback, Alek persevered with irregular jobs and continued art school while juggling modeling gigs.

The turning point was meeting Steven Meisel, who saw potential in Alek despite initial industry reluctance to embrace her African features. His shoot for Italian Vogue was transformative, and Alek danced freely, creating images that showcased her true self. This boosted her credibility, and she began commuting between London and New York for jobs, eventually moving to New York full-time.

New York was a jungle, with its chaotic streets and bold interactions. Alek lived frugally, saving every penny, and faced constant rejection at go-sees. Yet, she remained focused, avoiding the pitfalls of the city’s party scene. Her dedication paid off as she secured jobs that would eventually change the face of beauty and modeling in America.

How Did Alek Overcome Rejection to Revolutionize Beauty Standards?

Alek's skin defined her, whether she liked it or not. It's often the first thing people notice, whether in America, Europe, or even Sudan. In Khartoum, it marked her as a southerner, likely Dinka, and subjected her to racism. In Darfur, her skin could mean death at the hands of Arab militias. The obsession with pigment is puzzling; it's a simple matter of geography, yet the sociology is complex.

Alek's skin has both helped and hurt her career. In 1997, photographer Albert Watson hired her for a Lavazza calendar shoot, where her skin was to represent espresso. Despite her reservations about posing nearly nude, the experience was a turning point. Yet, she couldn't help but reflect on the history of exploitative images of black people in marketing.

As Alek progressed, she grew tired of being seen as just a "black beauty." She wanted to prove that she wasn't limited to a certain look. Thankfully, people like Mora believed in her. Mora understood when Alek no longer wanted to answer calls for "black girls." Alek wanted to work with creatives who saw beyond skin color.

In 1997, Gilles Bensimon of American Elle saw potential in Alek, leading to a shoot that changed her life. Despite initial resistance from the magazine's management, Gilles pushed for Alek to be on the cover. The resulting photograph was a powerful statement of inclusion and challenged traditional beauty standards. The response was overwhelming, with people from all backgrounds expressing their appreciation.

This cover elevated Alek's career, but she still faced institutional racism. Yet, designers like Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano saw her potential, booking her for major shows and campaigns. Alek's success showed that beauty has no color, and she was recognized by major publications for her influence.

Despite her achievements, Alek still experienced racism. At JFK airport, she was detained by Homeland Security, likely because she was a successful black woman. Such experiences remind her that the world isn't always a safe place, but she remains determined to live her life fully.

In 1998, Alek was paying over a thousand dollars a month for a tiny apartment in New York. Mora suggested Alek look in Brooklyn, where she found a charming redbrick townhouse that reminded her of home. Despite initial reservations about taking on a mortgage, she decided to buy it.

Owning the house motivated Alek to work harder, and she even started driving—a significant milestone. When her mother visited, she was amazed at Alek's accomplishments. Despite her success, Alek felt a strong pull to help her homeland, Sudan.

In 1999, Alek decided to use her public voice to raise awareness about Sudan's plight. She partnered with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) and traveled to Sudan with Mora. The journey was emotionally overwhelming, especially when she reunited with her aunt and saw the dire conditions people were living in.

They encountered a mother and her starving children, which highlighted the harsh realities of the war. Despite the challenges, the trip received significant publicity, bringing attention to the crisis in Sudan.

Back in New York, Alek's involvement with refugee organizations continued, and she used her platform to advocate for various causes. The experience in Sudan profoundly impacted Alek, reinforcing the importance of using her voice to make a difference.

From Runways to Refuge: A Model's Journey Through Racism and Resilience

When Alek was twelve, her father, from his deathbed in Khartoum, urged her to go to London, get an education, and live in peace. Those words drove her forward. Now, as a successful model and owner of a house, Alek reflects on the journey that began with his advice.

In 1998, Alek transitioned to a new agent, Maja Edmondson, who, like her previous agent Mora, was a great protector of her career. Her work took her around the world, but her passion for painting suffered due to constant travel. Painting, which soothed her soul, had to be set aside. However, travel sparked a new creative outlet for her: designing bags.

Inspired by her father’s brass-clasp briefcase, Alek began sketching bag designs on long flights. When she wasn’t traveling, she sewed a simple messenger bag at home, which her friends loved. A dinner conversation with a friend who was a shoe designer for Donna Karan led to the idea of producing more bags. With his guidance, Alek started her handbag business, WEK1933, named in honor of her father and his birth year.

She financed the business herself, designed the samples, and used colors and textures from her paintings. Alek took on the role of sales agent, pitching her bags to stores. Remarkably, Barneys and other prestigious boutiques bought them. Magazines like American Vogue featured her designs.

By 28, Alek's business was thriving. Despite a comfortable life in New York and a loving boyfriend in Italy, she longed to visit her father's grave. In 2004, amid a fragile peace in Sudan, a BBC producer invited her to return with a documentary crew. She seized the chance to take her mother and search for her sister Anok.

Arriving in Khartoum, they faced a city still scarred by war. They met family members and revisited places from Alek's childhood, now changed and damaged. In Wau, they saw the remains of their old home and neighborhood, meeting relatives who had survived the chaos. The resilience and determination of the people were inspiring.

In Talakong, they found Alek's mother’s sister. The reunion was emotional, filled with tears and joy. The villagers performed rituals to reconnect them with their ancestors. It was a powerful reminder of their roots and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Back in Khartoum, they searched for Alek's father’s grave. The cemetery had transformed into a vast field of graves, but they found it. Her mother’s words to his spirit brought Alek to tears, reaffirming the guidance and blessings he had bestowed upon them.

Reflecting on these experiences, Alek realized the profound impact of her father’s last words. They guided her to a life where she could honor her heritage, pursue her passions, and build a meaningful future.

How Did a Father's Dying Wish Propel a Model to Success and a Heartwarming Homecoming in Sudan?

Alek Wek's journey from Sudan to the fashion capitals of the world is marked by resilience and adaptation. London, her fourth home, holds special significance, and her modeling career demands she stays fresh and prepared for shoots and bookings. Despite the glamour, she often feels like a cultural exhibit, facing loneliness and the challenges of constant travel.

Alek's childhood in Sudan was disrupted by civil war, forcing her family to flee their home and adapt to harsh conditions. They navigated through wetlands and jungles, maintaining hope and resilience. After escaping to Khartoum for her father's treatment, Alek eventually moved to London with her sister, encountering cultural barriers and odd jobs. A chance discovery by a modeling scout changed her life, leading to a successful career in the fashion industry.

Her journey from Khartoum to London exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and the power of family support. Despite facing institutional racism and the complexities of being a black African model, Alek broke barriers and redefined beauty standards. Her story is a testament to the power of change and the unexpected paths life can offer.

Alek's success in modeling led her to use her platform to raise awareness about the crisis in Sudan. Her involvement with refugee organizations highlighted the importance of advocacy and making a difference. Inspired by her father's legacy, she launched her handbag business, WEK1933, honoring his memory and combining her passion for design with her entrepreneurial spirit.

Returning to Sudan to visit her father's grave and reconnect with her roots was a profound experience, reaffirming the enduring strength of family bonds and the guidance her father provided. Alek's journey is one of transformation, driven by resilience, family support, and the courage to pursue her dreams while honoring her heritage.

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