I wasn’t aware that she is a supermodel because if i knew, i wouldn’t have selected this book. Not coz i am stereotyping models as dumb-blonds. It’s just that i generally look for something a little more… uhm… deep?

What attracted me to this book was the cover featuring a smiling African lady. I thought it was a beautiful picture because the woman had an expressive set of lively eyes and she looked like a strong and tough chick. *i love selamba-kick-ass chicks! It turned out surprisingly pleasant despite the bland ending.
 

Alek Wek
 

Instead of stories of couture fashion and catwalk, the book Alek (Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel) serves something like short memoir/biography of the the author’s (Alek Wek) journey as a refugee from the war ridden plains of Africa to achieve international stardom on runways of Paris, New York and Milan.
 

She look really good right?
 

It’s a great read for those who are curious about the civil war and refugees in Africa but are not keen on reading too heavily written materials. This book is light coz the author’s perspective is positive and cheerful throughout the book. Only first half of the book gives description of the author’s life as a child during the civil war and how she daringly escaped by herself to London. The other half tells is about her days in London before spotted by a modeling agent at the age of 19. Then after, her roller coaster ride on her way to graze top runways and the pages of glamorous fashion magazines.
 

Her name, Alek Wek means “Black Spotted Cow”
 

What inspired me was how together and close knitted her family was during their plight in the Dinka village. They were even fondly called the ‘Wek Army’ in those days. *so cute! Also i simply adore those stories about her mother. You could easily see where her optimism and strength came from.
 

Her works
 

The fact that she did not dreamed to be a supermodel initially, makes her what she is today. She was more interested in earning enough to survive, thus there was a point where she tried to quit modeling because of the instability of the pay. Eventually the agency relented and paid her a monthly fix pay which is down-right rare coz she wasn’t famous just yet and models in general just receives pay per jobs.

Now besides modeling she is also an entrepreneur. She has her own handbag line, Wek 1933 (1933 is the year her late father was born). CLICK HERE for Wek 1933 collections. Some of them are really gorgeous!

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Although i find the ending a bit boring (i’m not that into catwalks), i must say i applaud her courage and hard work. Being a black model is not easy but being an African model with authentic African feature (coarse curly hair, thick lips and exotic eyes) is even tougher. *salute!