Standing tall in a white sequin halter evening gown, Sudanese model ALEK WEK pose for photos alongside fashion designers Giuseppe Zanotti, Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 and Janet Jackson at the inaugural amfAR Milan Fashion benefit.
The 2009 amfAR event helped to raise awareness and over $1.1 million dollars towards HIV/AIDS research with Janet Jackson as the co-host/co-chair.
Alek talked briefly at the auction segment of the event with shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti about how influential Michael Jackson’s fashion style was while growing up in her native country, Sudan.
Alek Wek and Giuseppe Zanotti auctioned off a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti boots designed exclusively by Mr. Zanotti for Michael Jackson to be worn on the opening night of his planned come-back tour. The dazzling hand-embellished boots sold for $14,634. [amfar.org]
During the auction, Sudanese model Alex Wek helped stir interest in the Giuseppe Zanotti-designed boots that featured 3,000 multicolored Swarovski beads, which Jackson planned to wear on the opening night of his comeback.
“Growing up in southern Sudan, I did not know a lot of pop stars. But Michael did touch a lot of people,” she said in tribute to the singer, who died in June before his much-anticipated comeback could begin.[popeater]
Below is a must-see clip taken from the event courtesy of the Associated Press. Fast forward to 1:25 mark to hear Alek talk!
photos: getty images.daylife.zimbio.wireimage
