Filed under: Fashion Files
"People actually think I'm Alek when I'm walking down the street," said new model Grace Bol in 'New York Magazine'. "Several people have chased me down just to get my autograph, and even when I explain to them that I'm not Alek, they think I'm lying! All I tell them is 'I'm Grace.'"
Bol, 21, who stands at 5-foot, 10-inches, and the 5-foot, 11-inch Alek Wek, 34, have similar striking features such as long limbs and dark ebony skin. Both were born in Sudan but Bol immigrated to and was discovered in Kansas as a child.
She's a tomboy by nature who was encouraged to model by her peers in the Midwest and loves food. "I don't know about other models, but I eat," she said. "I just try and eat healthy by eating all types of foods. Once a week, though, I will eat whatever I want."
In five years, she hopes to return to Sudan and provide jobs to those struggling. "I'm confident I would never be one of those people who spend their money on materialistic things," she explained. "I want to go back home and help people."
Bol has already walked the Fall 2011 Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood and Maison Martin Marigela shows and is starting off her career in high fashion on the right foot.