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I meet and talk to women from every corner of this planet, and I can find beauty in each and every one of them.
Alek Wek -
I've always loved to paint - I was studying to do an art degree when I was approached to become a model - and I've being doing some design work as well. I also love just having a quiet time, sitting in my little library at home in Brooklyn and reading or watching documentaries or listening to music.
Alek Wek
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It's sometimes tiring to get off a long-haul flight and go straight to the studio for a shoot, but if you really plan everything well, you can get so much out of combining travel with work.
Alek Wek -
When I started, I'd hear other people saying, 'God, she's so bizarre-looking,' because I didn't look like the girl next door. But I was just normal. I was the girl next door. There were people in high fashion I could better relate to who were doing something more interesting and not talking this sort of rubbish.
Alek Wek -
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.
Alek Wek -
I grew up in a small town in Sudan. There weren't many cars, so we did things in the countryside near where we lived.
Alek Wek -
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.
Alek Wek -
When the militias came to Wau, they would blast out 'Thriller' as they moved down the dirt streets.
Alek Wek
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From nine years old, I lived with fear. I saw our neighbours disappearing. I was scared that I would come home from school and my parents would not be there.
Alek Wek -
When I was 14, I came to school in London. I remember it was very cold, but also having to adjust and become fluent in English.
Alek Wek -
I think beauty is not just about what we put on our heads or on our faces or what we wear: it's deeper than that, and if we can celebrate that, celebrate the women, not just the superficiality... I think it would be really gorgeous.
Alek Wek -
The fact that designers like Lagerfeld, Gaultier, Galliano and Dior could believe in Alek made me believe in myself, too.
Alek Wek -
There was no concept of fashion and catwalk shows where I came from.
Alek Wek -
When my friends talk about childhood, I've never heard of any cartoons or TV they remember. The only thing we share is Michael Jackson. That's how far his music travelled - to a remote village on the other side of the world.
Alek Wek
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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.
Alek Wek -
I grew up in southern Sudan, one of nine children. Our life was simple but very happy.
Alek Wek -
Going on safari in South Africa was hardcore but a lot of fun - though my friend Maura was absolutely freaking out about all the bugs in her hair and having to pee in the sand.
Alek Wek -
Whenever I feel I am going through my own 'little' challenging moment, I just think about my mom.
Alek Wek -
It's an awful feeling, being hungry.
Alek Wek -
I would love to continue to model but also have a family.
Alek Wek
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When I first started working with World Vision, I would sit down and talk with them about issues that concern any part of the world. MSF told me about what was going on in North Korea. I also support AIDS and breast cancer charities.
Alek Wek -
There are people who can look out for other human beings; there are people who can speak up when something is not right and say, 'This is wrong, and something should be done.'
Alek Wek -
I think the fashion industry has gotten to a place where it is embarrassing.
Alek Wek -
I still have dreams in which someone is coming to the door.
Alek Wek