Get dressed with Alek Wek
The South Sudanese model and co-host of this year’s Fashion Awards changed the game when she burst onto the fashion scene in the mid ’90s. Two decades later, she still inspires with timeless red-carpet looks. This is how she does it…
FEEL GOOD
“When it comes to eveningwear, I love a bit of glamour. I’ve had so many magical red-carpet moments that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but there are a few that really stand out: I loved the Balenciaga gown with the huge bow that I wore to the CFDAs last year – it made me feel so elegant. For the Fashion Awards this year I really wanted my look to speak to the raw, edgy side of London style – I’m looking for creativity.”
BE YOURSELF
“I don’t wear that much makeup day to day, and even on the red carpet I prefer to keep it simple – I want to look like myself. It’s important to get familiar with your features and learn how to highlight them. I love contouring then finishing my look with a smoky eye or a deep aubergine-colored lip gloss. I love Marc Jacobs Beauty because he makes great products for all kinds of skin tones. I think it’s really important for fashion to be inclusive – the industry is finally waking up to the fact that women from all over the world are beautiful.”
BRING A PLUS ONE (AND THEN SOME)
“Now that I’m older, I appreciate diamonds, but I don’t like to finish an evening look with huge pieces of jewelry; I prefer to keep it simple and opt for ladylike diamond studs. I also have a few great crystal pairs that people always think are real gems – I don’t want to spend the whole night worrying about expensive jewels. After dark, I always opt for a clutch bag, and as far as footwear is concerned, if I am going out I am going all out. The higher the heels, the better.”
PLAY YOUR PART
“Rihanna does a red carpet like no one else. She’s really cool and she knows how to have fun with fashion – her Met Gala looks are always epic. I loved the yellow Guo Pei dress she wore in 2015, and then this last year she arrived dressed as the Pope! No one else could even try that; it would just feel so phony. I could never do it but that’s ok, I’ve got my own vibe.”
TRUST YOUR GUT
“The most beautiful thing about your forties is that you really feel like a woman, and I am owning that. I don’t even need to try a dress on; I know which silhouettes work for me and which don’t as soon as I see them. I want to be avant-garde, yes, but still chic. I don’t want to wear something so constrictive that I won’t be able to have a drink of water or even take a breath all night. I know my body, and for me that means the best outfits are simple but tailored perfectly. This year, my team were working on my Met Gala gown until the minute I stepped out the door – I knew I wanted the slit to be higher because the look needed some leg.”
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown.