Personal Details :
- Full Name: Alek Wek
- Birth Date: April 16, 1977
- Birth Place: Wau, Sudan (now South Sudan)
- Nationality: South Sudanese-British
- Ethnicity: Dinka
- Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Partner: Riccardo Sala (2001–2013)
- Profession: Supermodel, Designer, Humanitarian
- Residence: Brooklyn, New York City
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @msalekwek
- Twitter: @TheRealAlekWek
- Facebook: Alek does not maintain an official Facebook account.
Career Overview :
- Discovery: Alek Wek was discovered in 1995 at age 18 in Crystal Palace, London.
- Early Work: Her first notable appearance was in Tina Turner’s “GoldenEye” music video.
- Modeling Agencies: Signed with top agencies including IMG Models (New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Sydney), d’management group (Milan), Storm Management (London), and Mega Model Agency (Hamburg).
- Runway: Walked for iconic designers such as Chanel, John Galliano, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Jasper Conran, and Shiatzy Chen.
- Magazine Covers: First African model to appear on the cover of Elle magazine in 1997.
- Recognition: Named MTV’s “Model of the Year” in 1997.
- Acting: Made her acting debut in the film “The Four Feathers” (2002).
- Recent Work: Walked for Marc Jacobs at the Spring/Summer 2016 New York Fashion Week.
- Design Ventures: Launched her own handbag line “Wek 1933,” inspired by her father’s briefcase.
- Humanitarian Work: Appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2013, advocating for refugees globally.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Early Life: Fled civil war in Sudan at age 14, resettled in London.
- Family: Married to actor Mazuwa Moses; the couple has children together.
- Residence: Lives in Brooklyn, New York City.
- Interests: Passionate about fashion, design, and humanitarian causes.
- Philanthropy: Active advocate for refugee rights and diversity in fashion.
- Education: Studied Fashion Business and Technology at the London College of Fashion.
Net Worth :
Alek Wek, the South Sudanese-British supermodel and designer, has an estimated net worth ranging between $20 million and $30 million. Her wealth stems from her successful modeling career, which includes high-profile runway shows, magazine covers, and advertising campaigns with renowned brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Gucci. Additionally, Wek has ventured into acting and design, further contributing to her financial success. Her advocacy work and philanthropic efforts have also enhanced her public profile, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in both the fashion industry and humanitarian circles.
Awards & Achievements :
- 1997 MTV “Model of the Year” – Recognition for her breakout role in modeling.
- 1997 Venus de la Mode “Best New Model” – Celebrated early in her career.
- 1997 i‑D Magazine “Model of the Decade” – A rare honor marking her impact.
- First African model on ELLE cover (1997) – A historic milestone in fashion.
- UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador (2013–2023) – Over a decade representing refugee rights.
- Advisor to U.S. Committee for Refugees – Since 2002, engaging in global refugee advocacy.
- 2007 Autobiography Published: “Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel.”
- 2014 FACE List Awards Global Ambassador Honor – Recognized her contributions to African representation.
Fun Facts :
- Alek fled civil war in Sudan at age 14 and later became a British citizen.
- She was the first African model to appear on the cover of ELLE magazine in 1997.
- Alek launched a handbag line called “Wek 1933,” inspired by her father’s briefcase.
- She studied Fashion Business and Technology at the London College of Fashion.
- She served as a guest judge on “America’s Next Top Model” Cycle 16.
- Despite her success, she remains deeply involved in humanitarian and refugee advocacy.
- She speaks fluent Dinka and English.