I've always loved to paint - I was studying to do an art degree when I was approached to become a model… — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
It's sometimes tiring to get off a long-haul flight and go straight to the studio for a shoot, but if you really… — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
I am so impressed by UNHCR staff who live and work side by side with the refugees. It's really remarkable. — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
I had jobs from the age of 14, when I arrived in London as a refugee. Aged 17, I'd get up at… — 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 Image
I wore hot pants and cowboy boots and I thought, 'What have I gotten myself into?' — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
My experience as a refugee had made me strong; I could survive anything, even the world of fashion. — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
There's one thing we all share: We eat to nurture ourselves, to feel stronger. — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
Don't focus on negative things; focus on the positive, and you will flourish. — Alek Wek Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
