Alek Wek has just received the Venus de la Modw Award, the prestigious trophy awarded for the best model of the year. Yet, a few years ago, this young, gorgeous 21 year old was unsure of the future.

Originally from the Dinka tribe in the south of Sudan, Alek and her younger sister left their strife-ridden country for the United Kingdom in 1991. Two years later, they were joined by their mother and two more of the family's nine children.

They lived in London, and Alek picked up English quickly, finished high school and started studying fashion technology and business at the prestigious London College of Fashion.

In the summer of 1995. Alek attracted the attention of Fiona Ellis, from the Models One agency who suggested immediately that she try modelling. A few days later, she got a phone call from the agency, and soon after, she appeared in a Tina Turner video, and then consequently photographed by Vibe and ID.

In the summer of 1996, Alek took time from her studies and devote herself full-time to her career. Alek then joined the Ford agency in Paris, then moved to New York for a few months. She posed for Steven Meisel for American and Italina Vogue and went to work with Peter Lindbergh and Arthur Elgort.

Alek then landed a prestigious campaign for a line of beauty products by Francois Nars, make-up artist to top models. And of course, runway shows in Paris and Milan.

Alek Wek's unique look, great personality and irresistible smile makes her a top model.