Alek Wek Quotes

Alek Wek is a South Sudanese-British model and designer. She became one of the first African models to achieve international success and has been recognized for her influence in diversifying the fashion industry. Wek's modeling career has spanned over two decades, and she has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in fashion. She has also ventured into designing and philanthropy, making a positive impact both on and off the runway.

There was no concept of fashion and catwalk shows ... -Alek Wek

There was no concept of fashion and catwalk shows where I came from.

I know how it feels to go hungry.... -Alek Wek

I know how it feels to go hungry.

I like unique little boutique hotels, such as Blak... -Alek Wek

I like unique little boutique hotels, such as Blakes in London.

I feel, in 2015, when we see human beings and children dying to cross the ocean, trying to find safety, something more must be done to help them because refugees are just like me and you.

Restaurants serve huge portions on even huger plat... -Alek Wek

Restaurants serve huge portions on even huger platters, and people are tempted to eat too much.

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 who you are. So for me, whatever I've gone through had profoundly shaped me; it has given me strength and unwavering faith.

Many live to eat, instead of the other way around.... -Alek Wek

Many live to eat, instead of the other way around.

I use Johnson & Johnson! I use their baby oil gel.... -Alek Wek

I use Johnson & Johnson! I use their baby oil gel.

Having arrived in London to seek refuge during the civil war in Sudan, where I was born, the thing I'm most proud of is having totally evolved. I came here not knowing how to speak English, but I went to school and learned; I adapted to this new culture.

Beauty is subjective and should not be limited to ... -Alek Wek

Beauty is subjective and should not be limited to only what we see on the outside.

There are tons of black girls modeling, and each o... -Alek Wek

There are tons of black girls modeling, and each one is special.

I like to accept it all, the negative and the posi... -Alek Wek

I like to accept it all, the negative and the positive.

I was working part-time as a cleaner while I was g... -Alek Wek

I was working part-time as a cleaner while I was going to college and then babysitting after school.

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 different levels it's ignorance; it's no belief, no confidence, it's insecurity, so you want to inflict it on somebody else.

I would love to continue to model but also have a ... -Alek Wek

I would love to continue to model but also have a family.

There's one thing we all share: We eat to nurture ... -Alek Wek

There's one thing we all share: We eat to nurture ourselves, to feel stronger.

When I first started modeling, I realised I was very different from many of my colleagues, but I welcomed the opportunities my career in fashion offered me and the support from many inspiring individuals in the fashion industry.

The beauty of reading is that it lets you travel i... -Alek Wek

The beauty of reading is that it lets you travel in a way you could never know.

My family is the most important thing to me.... -Alek Wek

My family is the most important thing to me.

When I was working, there was no digital. We actua... -Alek Wek

When I was working, there was no digital. We actually worked; we used Polaroids.

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 provide things like medication and care.

The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by.

My mother always has embedded in us that you guys rock in different ways, and to be able to celebrate that with each other is just beautiful.

I am so impressed by UNHCR staff who live and work side by side with the refugees. It's really remarkable.

Everything has to do with education: If you educate the girls, you educate the family, the community, and society, in general.

We survived on natural resources, so we should take care of the earth. When I leave home, I do things like switching off the heat and lights.

When the militias came to Wau, they would blast ou... -Alek Wek

When the militias came to Wau, they would blast out 'Thriller' as they moved down the dirt streets.

I think the fashion industry has gotten to a place... -Alek Wek

I think the fashion industry has gotten to a place where it is embarrassing.

London is like my second home. I've still got friends there from school and from when I first started in the modelling business - people such as Karen Elson, Jasmine Guinness, Jade Parfitt.

I love cooking. I love having friends around.... -Alek Wek

I love cooking. I love having friends around.

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