THE SUPERMODEL THAT REWROTE FASHION'S DEFINITON OF "BEAUTIFUL".
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- In the vast and ever-evolving world of fashion, there are a few names that shine brightly and leave an indelible mark. Among those luminaries stands Alek Wek, a woman whose unique beauty, trailblazing spirit, and commitment to diversity have made her an icon in the industry. From humble beginnings as a refugee to gracing the covers of renowned fashion magazines and walking the runways for the most esteemed designers, Alek Wek's story is a testament to the power of embracing one's individuality and inspiring change.
Born in Wau, South Sudan, Alek Wek experienced a childhood marked by hardship and conflict. Fleeing from the ravages of the civil war, she sought refuge in London at the tender age of 14. It was there that destiny intervened, and the world was introduced to a face that would redefine traditional beauty standards.
Alek Wek's distinct features, characterized by her dark ebony skin, striking cheekbones, and a radiant smile, challenged the prevailing notions of beauty prevalent in the fashion industry. With her arrival, she shattered the mold, proving that beauty comes in diverse forms and that representation matters. Her unique appearance, coupled with her graceful presence and magnetic charm, made her an instant sensation.
Her breakthrough came in 1997 when she graced the cover of Elle magazine, marking a significant milestone for both Alek Wek and the industry as a whole. As the first African woman to appear on the cover of a mainstream fashion magazine, she carved a path for other models of color and ignited a global conversation on diversity in fashion. Her appearance challenged the homogeneity that had dominated the industry for far too long, serving as a catalyst for change and the recognition of beauty beyond conventional norms.
She was also the FIRST Black bride at a Chanel haute couture show.
Alek Wek's impact extended beyond the runway. With her radiant personality and articulate voice, she became a beacon of hope and empowerment for women across the globe. She used her platform to advocate for inclusivity, urging designers and brands to embrace diversity in their campaigns and shows. Alek Wek's tireless efforts to dismantle barriers and break down stereotypes have been instrumental in shaping a more inclusive and representative fashion industry.
Throughout her illustrious career, Alek Wek has collaborated with renowned designers such as John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, and Giorgio Armani, leaving an indelible mark on the most prestigious runways of the world. Her presence in fashion shows not only showcased her timeless beauty but also paved the way for other black models to gain recognition and opportunities previously denied to them.
Beyond the fashion world, Alek Wek has extended her influence into the realms of philanthropy and activism. Her deep-rooted desire to give back to her community and make a positive impact led her to become a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Through her work, she has raised awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons, emphasizing the importance of compassion, understanding, and support.
Alek Wek's enduring legacy can be attributed to her unwavering commitment to authenticity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity. Her influence reaches far beyond the fashion industry, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality. Through her advocacy and activism, she has shattered barriers, ignited conversations, and paved the way for a more diverse and equitable world.
In conclusion, Alek Wek is not merely a supermodel; she is an agent of change, a symbol of empowerment, and a catalyst for progress. Her striking beauty, unyielding spirit, and dedication to inclusivity have redefined the landscape of fashion, challenging long-standing norms and inspiring generations to come.
00:00 Introduction
00:28 EARLY LIFE.
03:11 DISCOVERY & EARLY CAREER.
04:38 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.
05:12 MAKING SPACE FOR BLACK MODELS.
06:09 CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS.
07:34 ALMOST 30 YEARS LATER. - Zábava
omg im ugandan and baby we all little black girls with dark skin wanted to be alek. she actually came to uganda at some point and went through north uganda to south sudan. i still think about her because she was my first real icon
UGH. 😍😍😍😍 I love this so so so much.
"we had no idea how poor we were because we were so rich in our culture and education" 🙌🙌
RIGHT?! My favorite quote of it all.
I remembered the first time I saw her back in the 90's. I was in an electives photography class in Nyc. Prof ASB took the class to various photo galleries in Soho. I remembered it was on a Saturday but I can't remember which gallery we were on our way to next but I and the rest of the students ran by this large window display with a large poster magazine cover of this blue black woman and I stopped dead in my tracks. The photographer made her skin tone POP! So velvety. She was so unique and otherworldly. The contrast was the red lipstick. A couple of the other students came back to see what I was looking at and they were just as blown away by this insane image as well. She was giving off strong Grace Jones vibes. Grace Jones for me was the absolute epitome of rare beauty that one could never find in the dominant culture. Alek Wek is definitely in that zone.
😍😍😍 I really wish I would’ve come up in the 90s. I really do…
These Sudanese ladies have it going on! Alex, Anok, Adut---goddesses all
Factsss! 😍
Love love love Alek. She is an Icon and living legend.
Truly. 🥹
Alek forever deserves her flowers
FOREVER. CompLETELY changed the game. 🙌🏿
She was definitely a trailer blazer and slade the runway. She made her mark in very dominate caucasian industry and stayed true to her authentic beauty. I'm glad you covered her. She absolutely deserve her flowers. ❤
🥹🙌🏿 She ABSOLUTELY does. People are so in love with the African models today, and many have no idea how much of that Alek is responsible for.
Alek wek...she's absolutely amazing
She could wear a color like no other...Endless👌💃
🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
She's tall and very lean she could wear a paper bag and make it look like haute couture
love her and her longevity in the fashion industry just shows how amazing she is. love, love this woman ! i m still obsessed w that pirelli calender photo as the future. amazing model and amazing woman.
I love Alek Wek!!!!!! I'm so glad you covered her she paved the way for the Sudanese wave taking over fashion now I've always been intrigued with her unconventional unusual beauty she's a legend
She was a pleasure to cover. 🥹 I cannot tell you how many times I smiled watching her footage. She’s just beautiful. 🥹
What a beautiful homage to my all-time favorite top model, and an extraordinary human being!
🥹🙌🏿 Thank you! And she truly is.
Her dimples are EVERYTHING!!❤
She was also in Busta Rhymes 'Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See' video.
She did a lot of music videos
😳😍
I just how you tell these stories ❤❤
Great video of an inspiring woman. Thank you for that. 🙏
I kept this cover photo of Alek on my pegboard forever! ❤
😍😍😍😍
The inspiration that this better evokes is impressive, her beauty as well as her personality opened the doors of the world to her and those that followed. Thanks for covering his story. ❤
Wow!!!!!! Thanks for posting this video 🙂 I have followed her since the beginning of her career. Please keep putting up more bio videos. Be Blessed, loving your channel!
🥹 THANK YOU! Always.
She is my favorite black fashionmodel. The first time i saw her was the Herb Ritts photo for Pirelli and with the spikes coming out of her, she looked so outerworldly, and that’s what she is to me: beyond
🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿
why is she not given the same kind of celebration or more than the other top models of her time? she open the doors for faces like Adut and Anok yet although she is still modeling she is not given a celebrity treatment. she doesn't open or close shows and when top models are spoken about they ignore her. thank you for icluding her.
Your presentations are so rich with imagery and so intriguing. I can’t stop watching 😍🤩👍🏽❤️ I’m so happy I ran across this channel ! Keep up the good work !
This is so touching! Getting to share this content with y’all. Connecting. Ugh, I need a tissue. 🥹
💯 🎧 Ready to listen in my relaxing sunday 👍🏻ty, have a good one
Thanks, as always, for watching! 🤎
Wonderful biography!
🥹🥹🥹 Thank you!
Thank you...when I have a bad day your videos inject me with the warm and fuzzy
Thank you for your life altering efforts
🥹😍😍😍 I’m glad I can provide! I relate; sometimes we need a little something to get us through… 🤎
Alek Wek! That is all.
Thank you so much . Gorgeous video for a Gorgeous person.
Love from Canada
🥹🙌🏿🙌🏿
i love love her smile
Amazing job ❤❤❤ your Video! You showed so much respect with particular quite tenderly eyes on her, and her history, just beautiful and great to see for everyone, what an impressive, brave and wonderful soul Alek Wek represents. Bless her ✨🙏✨
🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 Thank you! I had her drafted for a while, but I wanted to really to tell her story, so I took my time. 🤎
@@astonemmm ❤️
Legend
Yeas MY FAVORITE!!!
Love her so much and her Complexion is awesome just like a piece of Chocolate ❤❤❤
I love that you went back to her roots in Wau. Her autobiography is also amazing and very touching to read.
🥹🙌🏿 ALWAYS thank you, always.
“Oh! Huh…hmmm…ahhhh…mmmm…yesssss…huh!…woooooow! Ok!” …me watching the video 😅…so goood! ❤
INTO IT! Thank you for watching love, always. 🥹🤎
She's in got till it's gone video -JJ
Love your videos, binge watched all the model documentaries in one day, love the editing, love the story, almost cried at this video. Not very important but it would be nice if you decreased the camera flash sound a bit so we can hear you more clearly. Can't wait for the rest of your videos tho
Noted! Thanks for watching. 🤎🤎🤎
Janet's song is still a bop!
*does Pop Smoke dance as it plays in the bg* 😂🙌🏿
ALEK WALKED OG YSL ! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
czcams.com/video/asfuJS6vN7c/video.html 👀😍😍 Watch the fitting with her, and Yves, himself.
@@astonemmm Thanks ! 🫶🏾
Magnetica...
CHOOSE THE NEXT DOCUMENTARIES: Who are your favorite models? Past or present.
I have a list I would definitely like you to cover.😊
Iman
Imaan Hamman
Beverly Peele
Karen Alexander
Naomi Sims
Naomi Campbell
Tyra Banks
Beverly Johnson
Veronica Webb
Roshumba Williams
Anok
Adut
Mona Tougaard
Liya
I'm new to your channel so you may have covered some already. I'm catching up on your content. Great job keep it coming 👏🏾 👏🏾
Please Do
Yasmeen Ghauri
Tyra Banks
Naomi Campbell
Gisele buchene
@@benligon9616 NOTED. 🥰 Thanks for watching.
@@LaKhoza I want to do Tyra so BADDDD! 😍 Her editorial and high fashion modeling needs more focus imo. I know she was commercial, but she did some great glossy stuff too.
I am A Dinka just tells it all
SuperModels are Born in South Sudan i Swear😂😂😂😂😂
LITERALLLYYYYYY! 😂