Alek Wek is more than a supermodel

AP: Do you often find yourself in a room filled with egomaniacs?

Wek: Not everyone is selfish in fashion. There are people who go to bed feeling good about themselves and then spread the love.

AP: Do the more seasoned models offer advice to the younger ones or is it more of a turf battle?

Wek: We probably give advice to each other without knowing it. A lot of people especially want to know about going into business. But it’s a two-way conversation. It brings us together. It’s more camaraderie than catty, but, sure, there always is someone who doesn’t help anyone. No workplace is perfect.

AP: Do you feel pressured as a model to be rail thin?

Wek: Today I had potato and fish soup. I eat, but not junk. ... I love hot milk, water. Growing up, lunch was the big meal. We’d eat boiled eggs, and we had cookies as a treat. ... I always eat breakfast, and I like tea, grilled chicken with onion, tomato and whole-wheat bread. There are models who don’t eat. That’s worrisome — you need the right amount of gas to get going.

AP: What drives your interest in charity work?

Wek: Ten dollars could feed a Sudanese family for a month, but aid is still not reaching everyone. I feel like I should be the voice. If we don’t take care of each other, who will? ... I don’t want to ever say, ‘I should’ve done something.’

AP: Do you have a celebrity boyfriend?

Wek: (Laughing) My boyfriend isn’t a rock star. His values are rock solid. We met at a dinner and he made me laugh.