Since 2002 Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek has been steadily transforming her modeling career to one as a top handbag designer. Back in 2001 Alek’s jet-setting lifestyle gave her an idea to use her love for design (she was studying fashion technology and business at the prestigious London College of Fashion before becoming a model) to develop a line of fashionable handbags.
Since she was “scouted” at a London market in 1995 and scored the cover of American Elle’s November 1997 issue, Alek has become a trendsetter in the modeling business; she’s been named Model of the Decade by i-D magazine, was picked as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People and has worked with some of the most influential photographers of our time including Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Annie Leibowitz, Nick Knight and the late Herb Ritts.
Everyone knows the modeling business is a cutthroat one and careers are often short. Even though Ms. Wek continues to be at the top of her modeling game, it’s her talent as a designer which is beginning to re-define her success and reposition her in the fashion world for the long term. . Called Wek 1933 (the 1933 is a reference to the day her father was born) the collection of fashionable bags has been featured in numerous magazines and even earned a spot at the Spring 2005 Olympus Fashion Week accessories exhibit . Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld paid her the ultimate compliment by pronouncing the début spring 2002 collection ‘chic’ and backed up the statement by purchasing pieces for his Paris gallery. Wek 1933 bag prices range from $325 to $5,500 and are available at high end stores such as Barney’s and Maxfield and online at Fragments.
3 Replies to “Alek Wek – from supermodel to fashion designer”
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alek yu’r the best go girl you can do it, one thing although you have gone far do not and i repeat do not forget our land africa, you are the most beautiful girl and another thing as africans we know black is beauty
Dear Alek-
I saw you today on Tyra Banks Show. You are so beautiful! I love your handbags, and immediately went to Tyra’s website to take a shot at winning one of your bags, but I couldn’t find the site, so I found my way to your site. You are truly inspiring! God Bless you. I love hand bags, and hope to purchase one.
Much love, and well wishes..Ms. Mary
Hi Alek
i am a presenter/producer working at a Christian radio station called CVC Africa. It is really a different kind or christian radio stations as it doesnt aim at preaching at Africans about christianity but would rather like to inspire them. i have been following your life story ever since you popped into the modelling industry. You are an ispiration to many young African girls who dare to dream. I would love for them to be inspired by you throught our radion staion. I know have also been working at fundraising funds for refugees. the rest of Africa wants to here about that. C.V.V is broad casted across 43 African countries. You sharing your story just telephonically with us would be more than just highly effective.It would be a moving experinec for all listening.
I urge that you cantact me as soon as possible so we can somehow arrange a telephonic interview.
Kind regards
Lindelwa