My mother has always instilled in us that we should carry ourselves with dignity despite the horror that came with the civil war. She also taught us that where you come from is very important because that's what makes you… — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
I was working part-time as a cleaner while I was going to college and then babysitting after school. — Alek Wek Copy Share
I wore hot pants and cowboy boots and I thought, 'What have I gotten myself into?' — Alek Wek Copy Share
I've seen mothers and children really being vulnerable in the refugee camps; it's supposed to be temporary, but they end up having children who… — Alek Wek Copy Share
I used to have nightmares about the civil war when I got to England at ages 14 to 15. It took me some years… — Alek Wek Copy Share
My experience as a refugee had made me strong; I could survive anything, even the world of fashion. — Alek Wek Copy Share
Leaving southern Sudan as a child was terrifying. It was 1985, and my family and I were trying to escape to Khartoum, the capital… — Alek Wek Copy Share
Starting modeling in the '90s, it was quite surreal. They were like, 'You're so different! So weird! So bizarre!' And I'm like, 'I'm so… — Alek Wek Copy Share
London is like my second home. I've still got friends there from school and from when I first started in the modelling business -… — Alek Wek Copy Share
I don't even know where to start in terms of people having such an issue about color, especially being dark. I just think on… — Alek Wek Copy Share
There are mothers who sew for six months to make a fashion collection - someone's grandmother, someone's sister. We come in and get paid… — Alek Wek Copy Share
Beauty is deeper than just what you look at in a picture. You could fancy what you like, but as a woman my mother… — Alek Wek Copy Share
We need to do everything we can to protect the health and welfare of children around the world, but fortunately, it's getting easier to… — Alek Wek Copy Share
