Sudanese-born Alek Wek has enjoyed a successful career as an internationally renowned model since she became the first African beauty to grace the cover of Elle magazine in 1997, and she credits her success to the life lessons instilled on her by her mother.
Having walked the runway for highly regarded designer brands such as Chanel and Calvin Klein, Wek over the weekend showed-off her catwalk savoir-faire at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa in Pretoria.
Speaking to The Sowetan, 36-year-old Wek said her upbringing has kept her grounded throughout her impressive modelling career.
“I have to acknowledge my mother,” she said.
“She taught me and my four sisters, at a very early age, values of love and respect.
“As I spread my wings and left home, those words that she instilled in us stayed with me. It’s about being yourself and respecting yourself and other.”
Teamtalk