Quotes by Alek Wek

“My mother has always instilled in us that we should carry ourselves with dignity despite the horror that came with the civil war. She also taught us that where you come from is very important becau...”

“Going back to South Sudan after the independence took place was deeply emotional for me because I had gone through the civil war with my family just before going to seek refuge in London.”

“I think beauty is not just about what we put on our heads or on our faces or what we wear: it's deeper than that, and if we can celebrate that, celebrate the women, not just the superficiality... I...”

“We need to do everything we can to protect the health and welfare of children around the world, but fortunately, it's getting easier to provide things like medication and care.”

“It's sometimes tiring to get off a long-haul flight and go straight to the studio for a shoot, but if you really plan everything well, you can get so much out of combining travel with work.”

“The beauty of reading is that it lets you travel in a way you could never know.”

“Don't focus on negative things; focus on the positive, and you will flourish.”

“I like to accept it all, the negative and the positive.”

“I've always loved to paint - I was studying to do an art degree when I was approached to become a model - and I've being doing some design work as well. I also love just having a quiet time, sittin...”

“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.”

“Beauty is subjective and should not be limited to only what we see on the outside.”

“I meet and talk to women from every corner of this planet, and I can find beauty in each and every one of them.”

“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by.”

“I still have dreams in which someone is coming to the door.”

“There is no doubt that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the support relatives, friends, strangers – and UNHCR. I remember UNHCR field staff on the ground in Sudan, providing basic...”

“It was a time that I was just starting in fashion, to work. And the one thing that I told my agents was, ‘If you are going to represent me, I’m not going to be a gimmick and be in for a couple of s...”

“I knew with all my heart that she was doing what was best for us, but that didn’t ease the pain.”

“In a matter of years, I went from a faceless refugee statistic to one of the most recognizable faces in the world.”