Alek Wek

Alek Wek is a South Sudanese British model and designer who began her fashion career at the age of 18 in 1995.

She is from the Dinka ethnic group in South Sudan, but fled to Britain in 1991 to escape the civil war in Sudan. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Alek Wek was born on 16 April 1977 in Wau in South Sudan. She is the seventh of nine children. Her mother Akuol (born 1946) was a housewife, and her father Athian was an education officer (1933 - 1985).

Alek Wek with her mother

Alek Wek (right) with Lupita nyongo (left)

Alek Wek (right) and Kelly Rowland (left)