Alek Wek

Actress

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, featuring unprecedented access to the high temples of Haute Couture. The legendary Valentino is the star of the film, along with his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR follows them for the final two years of their careers, and shows the struggles the two men face as they confront the final act of a nearly 50-year career at the top of the world's most glamorous and competitive game. The struggle of art against commerce is at the center of the film. In the end, however, the story proves to be not one about money or expensive clothes, but about love.

Play trailer2:33

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

Alek Wek is a fashion model best known for being one of the first mainstream dark-skinned African models to appear on fashion magazine covers and work both campaigns and fashion shows in mid 1990's. Wek appeared on the covers or been featured in many international fashion magazines including Elle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Vogue among others. She has been in campaigns for Victoria Secret, Clinique, Chanel, Calvin Klein Givenchy, Fendi, Armani, Christian Dior and Moschino among others. She also appeared in the high profile 2001 Victoria's Secret Fashion show. She was born In April 16, 1977 in Wau, South Sudan to Akuol and Athian Wek. Wek's Dinka ethnic heritage put her family at risk in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. She fled to Britain at age fourteen with her family in 1991 to escape ethnic genocide in Sudan. Wek was attending London's College of Fashion when was discovered at age eighteen at an outdoor market in Crystal Palace, London, England by as model scout. She made her debut that same year in Tina Turner's "GoldenEye" music video for the theme song for the namesake 1995 James Bond film.