Kimora Lee Simmons facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kimora Lee Simmons
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Simmons in 2009
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| Born |
Kimora Lee Perkins
May 4, 1975 |
| Other names | Kimora Lee Leissner |
| Alma mater | University of Hartford (BA) |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1988–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Partner(s) | Djimon Hounsou (2007–2012) |
| Children | 5 |
| Modeling information | |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Brown |
Kimora Lee Simmons (born May 4, 1975) is an American businesswoman, fashion designer, and TV star. She was also a famous fashion model. When she was a teenager, she signed with Chanel. She walked the runway for big fashion brands like Fendi and Valentino. Kimora also appeared on the covers of magazines like Vogue and Elle. In 1999, she started her own global fashion brand called Baby Phat. Later, in 2007, she began starring in a reality TV show with her family, called Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.
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Kimora Lee Simmons' Early Life
Kimora Lee Perkins was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in a suburb called Florissant, Missouri. Kimora was often bullied at school. She was very tall, reaching 5 feet 10 inches by age ten. She also had a mixed background, being part African-American and part Japanese-Korean. Kimora felt "different" and struggled with her confidence.
To help her feel better, Kimora's mom enrolled her in modeling classes. She was eleven years old at the time. Two years later, Kimora went to a model search event in Kansas City. There, she was discovered by Marie-Christine Kollock. Marie-Christine was an agent from a famous modeling agency in Paris called Glamour. Soon after, Kimora went to Paris. She quickly became popular with fashion leaders and started her modeling career.
Kimora graduated from Lutheran North High School in St. Louis. In 2017, she went back to school. By 2018, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She studied Business and Entrepreneurial Affairs at the University of Hartford.
Kimora's Amazing Career
Modeling for Top Brands
At just thirteen years old, Kimora got a special modeling contract with Chanel. She worked closely with Chanel's designer, Karl Lagerfeld. At that time, it was unusual to see a model with a mixed background like Kimora's in high-end fashion. Karl Lagerfeld was one of the first to feature a mixed-race model on a Parisian runway. Kimora learned from him to be confident and chase her dreams.
After a big show for Chanel in 1989, Kimora continued to model. She walked for fashion houses like Fendi, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent. She also appeared in magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.
Designing Fashion with Baby Phat
In 1999, Kimora launched her own global fashion brand, Baby Phat. This brand was created for women. It was a spin-off of the men's streetwear line, Phat Farm. Her then-husband, Russell Simmons, started Phat Farm in 1992. Baby Phat aimed to offer unique clothing that reflected urban culture. Over time, Baby Phat became very popular. It crossed different cultures and races, becoming a well-known name in fashion.
Baby Phat had its first fashion show on September 15, 1999. It was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The show was even streamed live to the Jumbotron in Times Square. Many celebrities attended Baby Phat shows during New York Fashion Week. These included Aaliyah, Lil' Kim, and Mary J. Blige. Kimora always ended her shows by walking the runway with her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. She loved having her children on the runway. She also valued the support from celebrity friends who helped the brand grow.
Kimora eventually became the president and creative director of Phat Fashions. This included Baby Phat, Phat Farm, and other lines. She was one of the first women of color to lead several fashion brands. During her time as Creative Director, Kimora created new types of urban clothing and accessories for women.
Baby Phat was very successful. At one point, it was worth over $1 billion. This success led to new products like jewelry, handbags, and fragrances. The Baby Phat perfume line included six different scents.
In 2010, Kimora left Phat Fashions. The next year, she became President and Creative Director of JustFab. This was a website for personalized shopping. She worked there until 2015. After JustFab, Kimora started a new fashion label. In 2015, KLS by Kimora Lee Simmons launched its first collection. This line offered high-end women's clothing at more affordable prices. It was sold in stores like Bloomingdales and Lord and Taylor.
Bringing Back Baby Phat
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2019, Kimora announced exciting news. She had bought back Baby Phat! She shared this at an event for UN Women. The new Baby Phat would continue to be woman-owned and woman-led. It would also be designed for women by women.
Baby Phat relaunched in the summer of 2019. A new collection debuted in the fall of 2019. Kimora explained that the new Baby Phat would offer sportswear for young people. She said that Baby Phat has a special place in people's hearts. Young people today want designs with a purpose. They care about messages that Baby Phat has always stood for.
Kimora's Business Ventures
Kimora has invested in many different businesses. These include fashion, skin care, and technology. She invested in Codage, a French skin care line. She also supported Pureform Global, which makes natural CBD products. Another investment was Celsius, a "clean energy" drink. In 2019, Kimora also helped launch Pellequr. This is a spa in Beverly Hills. By 2021, Kimora Lee Simmons had built a large net worth.
Kimora's Personal Life
Kimora Perkins married Russell Simmons in December 1998. They had two daughters together. They later divorced in 2009.
In May 2009, Kimora had her first son with actor and model Djimon Hounsou.
In February 2014, she married investment banker Tim Leissner. Their son was born in April 2015. In February 2022, it was shared that Kimora and Leissner had separated.
In 2020, Kimora adopted a son. This made her a mother of five children.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Kimora has always been involved in helping others. She has served on the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
In 2008, Kimora supported PETA. She joined their "Be an Angel to Dogs" campaign. This campaign encouraged people to care for their pets kindly. Kimora also donated $20,000 to PETA's Angel for Animals Project. This project provides dog houses to dogs in need.
On March 14, 2008, the mayor of St. Louis honored Kimora. He gave her the key to the city. He also declared March 14 "Kimora Day." This was to recognize her contributions to society.
In 2014, Kimora started the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund at FIT. She donated one million dollars to help students from underserved communities. These students wanted to work in fashion. Kimora also supports organizations like amfAR and Keep a Child Alive.
Since 2018, Kimora has done humanitarian work. She helps refugee women and children. These families are fleeing violence or natural disasters. As a Global Ambassador for The Unmentionables, she helps provide hygiene products. In 2017, Kimora and her family helped with relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey.
In 2018, Kimora spoke at The Global Innovation Coalition for Change (GICC). She partnered with UN Women. Her goal is to help women and girls in technology and business. She is a Global Innovator for Change. She works to promote gender equality in the workplace.
In 2021, Kimora and Baby Phat partnered with Smile Train. They created a special t-shirt for the #AllSmilesAreBeautiful campaign. All the money from the t-shirts went to Smile Train's programs. These programs help children with cleft palates.
In August 2022, Kimora, Baby Phat, and Phat Farm teamed up. They worked with Family Dollar and Crayola. They hosted a back-to-school giveaway. This helped families in Los Angeles who were facing financial difficulties.
Kimora's TV and Film Work
Television Appearances
Kimora has worked in television as a host, actress, and reality star. From 1998 to 2001, she was one of three hosts on One World Music Beat. This was a weekly TV show about music and pop culture. In 2003, Kimora was a judge on the first season of America's Next Top Model. She appeared alongside Tyra Banks.
In 2007, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane started on the Style Network. This reality show followed Kimora's daily life. It showed her as a businesswoman and a mother. The show aired from 2007 to 2011. Kimora also produced and executive produced many episodes. In 2013, The Style Network launched Kimora: House of Fab. This show focused on Kimora's work life. It showed her as the Creative Director of JustFab. Kimora: House of Fab ran for one season.
Kimora received a Tony Award in 2003. This was for her work as a producer on Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.
Other Media Projects
Kimora is the author of a book called Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It. It was published in 2006. This book is a guide for female empowerment. It received good reviews from newspapers.
In 2006, Kimora joined many celebrities in the Got Milk? campaign. She appeared with a milk mustache.
In February 2008, Mattel released the Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie Doll. The doll wore a long faux fur coat and hot pink boots. It was designed to show Kimora's unique style.
Kimora has also appeared in several movies. These include Beauty Shop, Brown Sugar, and Waist Deep. She has also been in music videos for artists like Ginuwine and Usher. Kimora was also a co-host on the talk show Life & Style.
Images for kids
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Simmons in 2009
See also
In Spanish: Kimora Lee Simmons para niños
