Alek Wek

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, sitting in my little library at home in Brooklyn and reading or watching documentaries or listening to music. ”

I love cooking. I love having friends around. ”

All the exhausting aspects of my job are made worthwhile because I get to experience so many different cultures. It makes you really appreciate the memories. ”

My experience as a refugee had made me strong; I could survive anything, even the world of fashion. ”

I don't understand when people are being greedy or mean, when they say who should get what, when they get control of someone else's life. ”

I grew up in southern Sudan, one of nine children. Our life was simple but very happy. ”

I had serious psoriasis as a child - it's strange that I make my living off my looks after years of looking like a monster. ”

When I first started working with World Vision, I would sit down and talk with them about issues that concern any part of the world. MSF told me about what was going on in North Korea. I also support AIDS and breast cancer charities. ”

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

Having arrived in London to seek refuge during the civil war in Sudan, where I was born, the thing I'm most proud of is having totally evolved. I came here not knowing how to speak English, but I went to school and learned; I adapted to this new culture. ”