Born into the Dinka tribe in southern Sudan.
Later, granted asylum in Great Britain.
She was discovered at a market in London in 1995.
Appeared for fashion houses such as Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, John Galliano, Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Halston.
Appeared on the cover of Elle.
Named "Best New Model" at the Paris Fashion Awards, and "MTV Model of the Year."
Amongst other things she has done ads for Issey Miyake, Moschino, Victoria's Secret and make-up company Clinique as well as walked the runway for high-profile fashion designers John Galliano, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Ermanno Scervino.
In 2002 she made her acting debut in The Four Feathers as Sudanese princess Aquol.
In 2007, she released an autobiography, Alek, documenting her journey from a childhood of poverty in Sudan to the catwalks of Europe.