Alek Wek – South Sudan
A highly influential figure in the modelling industry, Alek Wek hails from the Dinka ethnic group in South Sudan. She began her fashion career at the age of 18 after fleeing the 1991 civil war in Sudan. She has been hailed for her influence on changing the perception of beauty in the fashion industry. Many have credited her as one of the first dark-skinned models to achieve mainstream success in the fashion industry.
Discovered on the streets of London, she became the first African model to grace the cover of Elle in 1997 after winning the title for “Model of the Year” from MTV.
She has modelled for Chanel, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, and Givenchy.
