FROM REFUGEE TO SUPERMODEL
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThere is one model today that has let her world experiences guide her down the path to ultimate success. That incredible model is Alek Wek.
Alek is a South Sudanese British model who began modeling at a very young age. She was approached at an outdoor market in London by a modeling scout and her largest accomplishment by far is capturing the title of being one of the first African Supermodels in the world. Not only is she sought after since having done advertisements for Victoria’s Secret, Issey Miyake and Moschino and having walked the runway for Chanel, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Christian Lacroix, but she also can be labeled as ‘actress’ to her claim to fame.
Wek has created designer handbags called “Wek 1933” sold in Selfridges department stores. Perhaps her biggest inspiration for this line was her father who she references in “1933”, the year of his birth. She fondly remembers his brass-clasp briefcase that he always carried spawning this collection.
In 2007, Wek shared her most fascinating journey from childhood to stardom in a very candid memoir that she published called Alek: From Sudanese Refuge to International Supermodel.
Although Alek is far from the country that she calls home, it is constantly in her heart. She sits on the U.S. Committee for Refugees’ Advisory Council in order to bring awareness to the situation in Sudan and the plight of all refugees across the continent. She is a missionary for World Vision, an organization to combat AIDS, ambassador for Doctors Without Borders in Sudan and devoted to UNICEF.
But this July will be a most exhilarating and rewarding time for Alek Wek. For the first time since South Sudan gained independence last year, she will return home. Wek will take part in the celebration which marks the first anniversary of independence and then in a memorable journey, visit the town of Wau, capital of Western Bahr-el-Ghazal state, her home prior to fleeing with her family as a young girl.
As a role model for her fellow South Sudanese citizens, Alek will partner with UNHCR to encourage them to build their nation and transform it into one of greater strength and resilience. Her love and passion for her country and its people embraces her daily and gives her robust and enduring energy to play this active role of advocacy. One of Alek’s platforms is the power of diaspora communities. Her mission will be to focus primarily on the returnee story and the massive efforts required to build and stabilize the country. She brings messages of peace, hope and inspiration for those with the constant challenges and obstacles that they must overcome. Her priorities are health, education and agriculture.
Bringing awareness is so crucial in order to make a statement of impact that international support is required for the massive humanitarian emergency that continually unfolds in remote areas in the north and north-west of the country. During this first year of independence, South Sudan has opened its borders to 170,000 Sudanese refugees.
Alek Wek is definitely a tenacious role model for young women of today. She is not just another pretty face but a testament to what the combination of drive, enthusiasm and devotion can build in a person.
PHOTO CREDITS: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Facebook page, www.style.com
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