When Elle magazine chose Alek Wek for the cover of their November 1997 issue, they were taking what many magazines considered a risk: a dark-skinned African girl on your cover did not, theoretically, sell issues. The result, however, was monumental reader response with letters-to-the-editor from women and men ecstatic about seeing the standards of beauty in fashion redefined. As Oprah commented when Alek appeared on her show, “If you’d been on the cover of a magazine when I was growing up, I would have had a different concept of who I was.”
Born in Southern Sudan, Alek was raised as a part of the Dinka tribe. At fourteen, the civil war forced her to flee to London with her younger sister, where they were later joined by their mother and siblings. It was in London, at a street fair, where Alek was discovered. She launched a career in modeling that has since named her: “Model of the Decade” by trendsetting i-D magazine; one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in May of 1999; and one of the “50 Most Influential Faces in Fashion” according to i-D and Frank magazines. New York magazine has also named her one of the “50 Most Beautiful New Yorkers.”
Alek’s influence extends far beyond the fashion world and societal concepts of beauty. She spoke at the International Black Caucus Foreign Affairs as a member of a panel, which included Hillary Clinton, Congressman Daniel Payne, Danny Glover and many other distinguished speakers. Alek has also served on the advisory board for the U.S. Committee for Refugees. She speaks in New York area schools to bring attention to the famine in Southern Sudan and to educate children on the importance of nourishment, in addition to helping launch the Bracelet of Life campaign in conjunction with Medicins Sans Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders. She has also worked closely on behalf of AIDS awareness, children’s charities and breast cancer research.
Advertisers are equally attracted to Alek’s presence. She has been featured in numerous ad campaigns, including Clinique’s Happy fragrance, Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gautier, Banana Republic, Joop, Nars, Issey Miyake, Moschino, the Gap, Ann Taylor, Michael Kors and MAC Cosmetics. Alek also appeared in Coach’s “Most Influential People” campaign.
Alek has worked with some of the most talented photographers in the world including Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz, Arthur Elgort, Michael Thompson, Ellen Von Unwerth and Steven Klein. She has also appeared on the covers of prominent international magazines including Elle, i-D, Essence, L’Officiel, London Style, Deutsch and New York magazine’s Fashions of the Times, as well as the Sunday New York Times Style issue.
Alek is also in constant demand on the runway circuit for such top fashion houses as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Gucci, Fendi, Jean Paul Gautier, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan and Helmut Lang.
Alek has been dedicating her free time to one of her other passions: design. She has combined what she has learned from her years in the industry with her natural artistic ability to create a special line of handbags that is a true reflection of her (Wek 1933). Alek also enjoys acting and debuted in the film The Four Feathers, alongside Kate Hudson and Heath Ledger.
Alek is the author of her successful memoir, Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel, which was released in September 2007. In the book, Wek takes readers back to her native home of Wau, in southern Sudan, where she knew only a few years of peace with her family before they were caught up in a ruthless civil war that pitted outlaw militias, the Muslim-dominated government and southern rebels against each other in a brutal conflict that killed nearly 2 million people. She recounts her daring story of fleeing the war on foot, her escape to London (where her life took an unexpected turn) and her rise to international supermodel.
Alek continues to remain extremely active with Southern Sudan and is an ambassador for the UNHCR, the UN Refugee agency.
In her presentations, she shares her perspective and experiences of being a refugee as well as an inside look into the life of a most unique supermodel. Her story is one that is sure to inspire and inform.
Alek Wek, supermodel and author, is available exclusively through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Alek Wek is also available for celebrity appearances, meet and greets, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Alek Wek.
About IMG Speakers
IMG Speakers, a division of IMG Worldwide, Inc., is a leading speakers bureau and celebrity talent agency representing today’s best motivational speakers. We secure celebrity talent for FORTUNE 500 companies, trade associations, healthcare organizations, corporate hospitality programs and special events. Our extensive client roster includes professional corporate speakers, head coaches, sports broadcasters, current and retired professional athletes, inspirational keynote speakers, award-winning chefs, business executives and television personalities.
Explore IMG Speakers bureau’s complete roster of talent to find the right keynote speaker for your next event.
