# Alek Wek

> South Sudanese-British model and designer

**Wikidata**: [Q239508](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q239508)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alek_Wek)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alek-wek

## Summary
Alek Wek is a South Sudanese-British model and designer recognized for her groundbreaking career in the fashion industry. Born in 1977, she holds citizenship in South Sudan, Sudan, and the United Kingdom, and is an alumna of the London College of Fashion. Her work has established her as a significant figure in both modeling and fashion design, bridging her heritage with her professional achievements in the UK.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 16, 1977
- **Nationality**: South Sudanese, Sudanese, and British
- **Education**: London College of Fashion
- **Known for**: Being a prominent model and fashion designer
- **Employer(s)**: London College of Fashion (affiliation)
- **Field(s)**: Modeling, Fashion Design

## Contributions
Alek Wek's primary contributions lie in her dual career as a high-profile model and a fashion designer.
- **Modeling Career**: She established herself as a leading figure in the fashion world, recognized globally for her work in dramatic and comic productions as well as commercial advertising. Her modeling work serves as a visual aid for promoting products and brands.
- **Design Work**: Leveraging her education at the London College of Fashion, she transitioned into design, creating fashion collections that reflect her unique background and aesthetic.
- **Public Recognition**: She was honored with the BBC 100 Women award, acknowledging her influence and status as a notable woman in the public eye.

## FAQs
**What are Alek Wek's nationalities and place of birth?**
Alek Wek was born on April 16, 1977, and holds citizenship in three countries: South Sudan, Sudan, and the United Kingdom. Her background reflects the complex geopolitical history of the region, as South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

**Where did Alek Wek receive her education?**
She attended the London College of Fashion, a university-level institution in London, United Kingdom, which specializes in fashion education. This institution is part of the University of the Arts London network and was founded in 1967.

**What awards has Alek Wek received?**
Alek Wek was recognized as one of the BBC 100 Women, an international award given by the BBC to highlight influential women globally. This recognition underscores her impact as a model and designer.

**What is the scope of Alek Wek's professional work?**
Her career spans both modeling and design. As a model, she works in film, television, theatre, and radio, as well as in advertising. As a designer, she creates fashion products, utilizing her training from the London College of Fashion.

## Why They Matter
Alek Wek matters as a cultural icon who redefined beauty standards in the global fashion industry. As a South Sudanese-British woman, her success challenged traditional Eurocentric norms and paved the way for greater diversity in modeling and design. Her transition from a successful model to a designer demonstrates the versatility of modern fashion professionals. By achieving recognition such as the BBC 100 Women award, she has become a symbol of empowerment for women of African descent in the international arts and fashion sectors. Her work continues to influence how diversity is represented in media and fashion, making her a pivotal figure in the industry's evolution.

## Notable For
- **BBC 100 Women Award**: Recognized as one of the world's most influential women by the BBC.
- **Dual Nationality**: Holds citizenship in South Sudan, Sudan, and the United Kingdom.
- **Fashion Education**: Educated at the London College of Fashion, a leading institution in the field.
- **Modeling Versatility**: Works across film, television, theatre, radio, and advertising.
- **Design Career**: Successfully transitioned from modeling to fashion design.
- **Global Recognition**: Holds 34 Wikipedia sitelinks, indicating significant international interest and documentation.

## Body

### Early Life and Nationality
Alek Wek was born on April 16, 1977. She is a citizen of South Sudan, Sudan, and the United Kingdom. This tri-national status reflects the historical context of South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011, and her subsequent connection to the United Kingdom. Her identity as a South Sudanese-British individual is central to her public persona and professional narrative.

### Education and Training
Wek pursued her higher education at the London College of Fashion (LCF). LCF is a university-level institution located in London, United Kingdom, with coordinates at 51.54161 N, -0.0129 E. The college was initially founded in 1967 and formally established in 1974. It operates as part of the University of the Arts London network and is a member of the University and College Union (UCU). Her attendance at this prestigious institution provided her with the technical skills and industry connections necessary to launch her career as a designer.

### Modeling Career
As a model, Alek Wek is employed to display, advertise, and promote products, serving as a visual aid in various media. Her work encompasses acting in dramatic or comic productions for film, television, theatre, and radio. She has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for her distinctive look and presence. Her modeling career has been documented extensively, with 34 Wikipedia sitelinks across different language editions, highlighting her global reach.

### Design and Creative Work
In addition to modeling, Wek is a fashion designer. Her education at the London College of Fashion equipped her with the expertise to create her own collections. While specific product names or launch dates are not detailed in the source material, her role as a designer is a key component of her professional identity. She leverages her unique background to create designs that resonate with a global audience.

### Awards and Recognition
Alek Wek's contributions to society and the arts have been recognized with the BBC 100 Women award. This international award, initiated in 2013, honors women who have made significant impacts in their fields. Being named to this list places her among a select group of influential women worldwide. Her recognition extends to her status as a "human" and a "person" with a unique identity in the global community.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Alek Wek has a significant digital footprint, with various identifiers linking her to different databases and platforms.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1082687 (implied by P345: nm1082687)
- **IMDB ID**: nm1082687
- **ISNI**: 0000000078788484
- **VIAF**: 90784463
- **GND**: 133424529
- **Library of Congress**: no2007110561
- **Social Media**: She is active on Instagram under the handle @alekwek.
- **Image**: A notable image, "Alek Wek, Red Dress Collection 2007.jpg," is associated with her profile.
- **Height**: She stands at 1.8 meters tall.
- **Sitelinks**: Her Wikipedia entry has 34 language editions, indicating widespread international documentation.

### Affiliations and Connections
Alek Wek is affiliated with the London College of Fashion, where she received her education. This institution is located in the United Kingdom and is part of the broader University of the Arts London. Her connection to the UK is further solidified by her citizenship and her professional activities within the country. She is also connected to the BBC through her inclusion in the 100 Women list, an award given by the British broadcaster.

### Legacy and Impact
Through her work as both a model and a designer, Alek Wek has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Her success has challenged stereotypes and expanded the definition of beauty in the global marketplace. By achieving recognition in multiple fields and countries, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring models and designers from diverse backgrounds. Her story is a testament to the power of education and perseverance in achieving professional excellence.

## References

1. LIBRIS. 2013
2. The Fashion Model Directory (FMD)
3. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-34745739)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. IMDb
6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. The Movie Database