Africa: Youssou N'Dour, Other Top Talent Appears in U.S. Capital Aug 8, 2008
Both designers featured super models such Alek Wek of Sudan, Oluchi of Nigeria and Liya Kebede of Ethiopia. The show also featured Nigerian jewelry designer Chris Aire, known as The Iceman, whose designs have been worn by celebrities such as Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood. (allAfrica.com)
Nigeria: Thisday's Third 'Africa Rising' Festival Goes Global Jul 21, 2008
International and African stars Jay-Z, Usher, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Fat Joe, Naomi Campbell, Oluchi, Tyson Beckford, Youssou N'Dour, Liya Kebede, Alek Wek, Ozwald Boateng, Chris Aire, 9ICE and Shank are on the bill for the events. Supporting the festival, which celebrates Africa's achievements, Naomi Campbell said: "It is fantastic that Mr Obaigbena is helping improve the positive awareness of Africa as too many people have stereotypical and negative views of the continent. He... (allAfrica.com)
Catwalk discrimination Jun 30, 2008
Former model Mounia, now 40-something and born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, was one of the first top black models to hit high fashion those few decades ago, along with by Iman, Katousha, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn, Alek Wek and Pat Cleveland. An aspiring air hostess discovered by Hubert de Givenchy, then propelled onto the catwalk by Saint Laurent, she acted as the face of YSL for some 15 years from 1985 onwards. (iAfrica.com)
Italian Vogue publishes black issue Jun 22, 2008
He photographed Naomi Campbell, Iman, Tyra Banks, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn, Alek Wek and Pat Cleveland, among others. "I thought, it's ridiculous, this discrimination. It's so crazy to live in such a narrow, narrow place. Age, weight, sexuality, race - every kind of prejudice," he told the New York Times. (Guardian Unlimited -- Media)
So Is That Vogue Cover Racist or Not? Apr 1, 2008
Vogue could have chosen Tyra Banks, Alek Wek, or even. But it went with a woman who, while ridiculously famous in her own right, is now recognizable as the girlfriend of American sports' golden boy. (Slate)
Why racism stalked London catwalk Feb 17, 2008
Although the Sudanese model Alek Wek is a notable exception, many agree with the comments made a few months ago by J. Alexander, a judge on the reality television programme America's Next Top Model. He complained in the New York Times that 'some people are not interested in the vision of the black girl unless they're doing a jungle theme and they can put her in a grass skirt and diamonds and hand her a spear. (Guardian Unlimited)
On fashion runways, racial diversity is out Oct 23, 2007
"We represent a lot of ethnic girls," said Ivan Bart, the senior vice president of IMG Models, which represents a roster of the commercially successful models of the moment, among them black superstars like Alek Wek, Campbell and Liya Kebede. "We have new girls, too," Bart added, young comers like Uwera, Quiana Grant and Mimi Roche. (International Herald Tribune)
New York Fashion Week Sep 14, 2007
A dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs 2008 spring/summer collection. Samantha CritchellAssociated PressSept. (AZCentral -- Style)
Your First Name: Sep 9, 2007
As I stare at the array of clothes scattered across my West Hollywood apartment, models Alek Wek and Sasha Pivovarova are conducting a lighting ceremony in the lobby of the Empire State Building. By the time I join the girls in New York tonight, the iconic edifice will be illuminated orange, purple and red to honor Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park. (E! Online)
Claiborne line predicts early spring Sep 8, 2007
Ports 1961Ports 1961 took a journey to Africa on Friday morning, with top models Alek Wek and Liya Kebede landing on its runway at the Bryant Park tents as part of New York Fashion Week. Editors, stylists and retail buyers saw a broad spectrum of looks: some were relaxed and casual, such as a navy and cream Macheo tie-dye dress, while others were fine and refined, especially suits with pencil skirts and jackets adorned with woven gold belts. (MSNBC -- News)
Bitter Coffee Aug 14, 2007
A great model, Alek Wek. A great calendar. (New York Post -- Gossip)
Book buzz: Score another one for Oprah Jun 14, 2007
Another voice for African relief: Model Alek Wek can be added to the list of celebrities, including Bono and Drew Barrymore, who are bringing attention to the problems in Sudan. In August, Amistad will publish her memoir, Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel. (USA Today -- Life)
Why models don't lead such a beautiful life Feb 12, 2007
Sarah Doukas of Storm Models, which represents Kate Moss and Alek Wek, said: "The point with modelling is that it gives young women the opportunity to earn a decent salary - it's actually one of the few industries where women earn a lot more than men - to travel extensively, and to work with exciting and creative people.". Special reports. (Guardian Unlimited)
Dispatches From Fashion Week: Feb 8, 2007
This took the form of Rachel Zoe, the celebrity stylist implicated in how Lindsay Lohan dresses and, now, handbag designer, and Alek Wek, the Sudanese model and, now, handbag designer. When the two posed for pictures, Zoe faintly curled her upper lip in a way that suggested she'd also taught La Lohan how to sneer. (Slate)
Short and tights steal scene Feb 7, 2007
There also was an elegant halter scarf gown in an Asian print in autumnal colors worn by Alek Wek, one of the few high-wattage models to still make an occasional appearance at Fashion Week. As for celeb sightings, Britney Spears sat in the front row, though she left before Simmons took her bow. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
NY fashion week kicks off Feb 6, 2007
Other celebrities who strode down the runway included Lauren Hutton wearing Narcisco Rodriguez, Helena Christensen in Calvin Klein and Alek Wek in Ellen Tracy, plus New York-based designer Betsey Johnson, who kicked up her heels in one of her own prom-dress-style creations. Also wowing the audience, which included first lady Laura Bush in the front row wearing a Bill Blass suit, were actresses Angela Bassett and Jane Krakowski plus last year's American Idol winner Katherine McPhee, who stole the... (Metro)
Britney Spears finds singlehood awesome! Feb 6, 2007
Spears let a cry of exclamation, when model Alek Wek flaunted a colourful halter dress that swiped the floor in the back but actually was a mini-dress in the front. h my god, People magazine quoted Spears, as saying. (Hindustan Times)
How thin is too thin? Feb 1, 2007
"Of course health is important, and there is no way you can ever deny that," says Sudanese model Alek Wek, one of the world's most famous models. "It's important not to look too skinny, and to live beyond modeling," says Wek, 29, who is 5-foot-11 and weighs 125 pounds. (Newsday -- Entertainment)
Kate Moss: Britain's Model Model Nov 4, 2006
Unfortunately, the face of the moment who beat out less controversial finalists Erin O'Connor and Alek Wek couldn't quite be bothered to actually pick up the award, instead sending British punk fashion icon Vivienne Westwood to accept it on her behalf. "I love Kate," the designer said at the British Fashion Awards. (E! Online)
Kate Moss Nominated for U.K. Model Award Nov 4, 2006
Moss, 32, was up against Erin O'Connor and Alek Wek. Hilary Riva, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, said Moss "is currently in 14 ad campaigns and is one of the most prolific models in Britain, if not the world, and has been for the majority of her 15-year modeling career." Riva declined to comment on the potential controversy of the nomination. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Kate Moss named Britain's Model of the Year Nov 4, 2006
Moss, 32, won out over two other finalists, Erin O'Connor and Alek Wek, at the British Fashion Awards on Thursday. Kate Moss is a fashion icon and without doubt one of the most prolific models in the industry, the awards panel said in naming her the winner. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Catwalks of confidence Oct 1, 2006
Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek posed in a chocolate-brown strapless jersey gown, wearing a huge hat shaped like a jungle leaf. Ruffled evening gowns and ornately beaded cocktail frocks in hues of cream and magnolia - as beautiful as bridal gowns - spilled all the way to the floor. (The Australian)
- Hannah Pool: The worrying return of blacking up Sep 22, 2006
Return to the dark ages. It's decades since the black and white minstrels appeared on TV, but now white entertainers, from Little Britain and Charlotte Church to Bo' Selecta. (Guardian Unlimited)
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT Jul 7, 2006
Performing in such places as the United Nations and Lincoln Center to private parties for Britney Spears, and Super Model Alek Wek. He has released two critically acclaimed solo records and has recorded with the likes of Bill Laswell, Last Poets, Musafir and Dr. Israel. (Ashland Daily Tidings, OR)
Runway not taken: models step over edge May 20, 2006
Christy Turlington designs the yoga-inspired Nuala line for Puma, Alek Wek has fashionable handbags while the "Body" Elle McPherson and former Guess girl Eva Herzigova have swimwear lines. There have been so many models that have turned to acting we lost count. (Korea Herald, Korea)
