Alek Wek Biography: Husband, Daughter, Partner, Children, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Nationality, Age, Wikipedia

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Alek Wek is a South Sudanese-British model and designer who rose to prominence in the fashion world beginning at the age of 18 in 1995.

Known for her striking features and unique presence, Alek has been widely celebrated for challenging traditional beauty standards in the fashion industry, reshaping how beauty is perceived globally.

Born into the Dinka ethnic group in South Sudan, she fled to Britain in 1991 to escape the brutal civil war in Sudan.

Profile

• Full Name: Alek Wek
• Stage Name: Alek Wek
• Born: 16, April 1977
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Wau, South Sudan
• Nationality: Sundanese and American
• Occupation: Model
• Height: 1.8m
• Parent: unknown
• Siblings: 8
• Partner: Riccardo Sala (2001-2013)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $22 million

Early Life And Education

Alek Wek was born on 16 April 1977 in Wau, South Sudan to her parents Akuol Wek and Athian Wek. Growing up, she was the seventh of nine children in a large family.

Wek attended the London College of Fashion, where she studied fashion technology and business. She is of Dinka ethnicity and while her religious affiliation is unknown to the media, she has spoken about her strong Christian faith in interviews.

Career

Alek Wek’s career began in 1995 when she was discovered at an outdoor market in London. Having fled South Sudan as a refugee, she quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry. Alek became one of the first dark-skinned African models to appear on major magazine covers, including Elle and Vogue.

She also walked for high-profile designers like Chanel and Calvin Klein, helping to redefine beauty standards in a predominantly Eurocentric industry. Her distinct features, with striking ebony skin and strong Dinka characteristics, made her an iconic figure, challenging the traditional norms of beauty in fashion.

Wek’s breakthrough success paved the way for greater diversity on the runway and in advertising, encouraging a more inclusive representation of beauty. In 1997, she was named “Model of the Year” by MTV, an accolade that cemented her status as a trailblazer for models of color.

As one of the most prominent African models of her time, Wek became a symbol of empowerment and inspiration for aspiring models, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her career not only broadened the scope of beauty in fashion but also opened doors for other models of color to achieve international success.

Outside of modeling, Alek Wek is deeply committed to humanitarian causes, particularly as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, she advocates for refugees and raises awareness about the global displacement crisis, with a special focus on South Sudan, her home country.

Additionally, Wek has expanded her career into entrepreneurship with the launch of her handbag line, “Wek 1933,” which was inspired by her father’s briefcase.

This venture further showcases her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit while allowing her to continue using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Through her multifaceted career, Alek remains a powerful force in both the fashion industry and in her advocacy for social change.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @msalekwek
• Twitter handle: @TheRealAlekWek

Personal Life

Alek Wek was in a long-term relationship with Riccardo Sala, an Italian real estate developer, for twelve years. Their relationship, which was often in the public eye, came to an end in 2013. In the years following the split, she has remained single and has openly expressed a desire to settle down and start a family when the time is right.

While she is not currently in a relationship, Alek remains hopeful about finding love in the future and starting a new chapter of her life. Her focus is now on personal growth, professional achievements, and building a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.

Net Worth

Alek Wek’s net worth is estimated to be around $22 million. Her remarkable success as a model and designer has made her a leading figure in the fashion industry since she began her career in 1995.

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