Straight off a European jaunt, Alek Wek showed up at the diptyque store uptown last night to promote (RED)’s collaboration with the French candle company. “Everybody that gets involved with (RED)—it’s not about making money. It’s making money for a reason. I love the oils, I love the perfume—my mother made perfume when I was young, so it’s personal. It wasn’t even a choice. It was more like, I’m on board.”
A native of southern Sudan, Alek and her family were forced to flee their country during the civil war between the north and south and sought refuge in England, so working with charities has always been on her radar. “I’ve always been very, very sensitive about giving back, especially with AIDS,” said Alek. “It’s just amazing how (RED) has raised over $140 million.”
One of the most recognizable faces in the modeling industry today, Alek can’t ignore that there are people in the world struggling to live. “We’re here today, but when you’re on the ground and you meet the families and see what they’re going through and you see the culture differences, you really get to understand what that means, what we’re doing. And for me to be able to enjoy my passion and also feel for them—it’s nothing in comparison to the lives they live.”
As everyone cramped into the small space of the boutique in support of the Global Fund, there was no denying how amazing Alek looked in her sparkly blue and gold dress. We had to find out who made it: African designer Deola Sagoe. “Doesn’t it look like Prada or something like that?” And since we were on the topic of fashion, we asked if she had any Fashion Week plans. She’s still exhausted from her European trip, so nothing is set in stone. But she did mention that she has a few different projects going on and is doing work with Forevermark Diamonds. “You will hear.”
We can’t wait. ~ Jessica Mahler
