"Inspired Dream in The Fab Lane"
“She is a Mogul, and a Model, but best of all--she’s a MOM”. This is the biography on Kimora Lee Simmons written by her most inspired fan. This fashion icon, born Kimora Lee Perkins, came into the world on May 4, 1975 in St. Louis, Missouri. She is of Asian, Korean, Japanese, & African American descent. Her mother, Joanne Perkins, is Korean and Japanese, and her father Vernon Whitlock is African American. Her mother was a Social Security Administrator and her father was a Federal Marshal, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Investigator, Bail Bondsman, and now a Barber. Throughout her childhood, she did not fit in with kids around her because of her height. By age 10, she was already 5’10”! At age 11, Kimora’s mom enrolled her into modeling class to further her career as a model. By age 13, her beauty captured the attention of Midwest Model Search. Two years later, Simmons went to Paris and was awarded an exclusive modeling contract with “House of Chanel”. At age 14, she moved to Paris to work under the famous Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, and at 17 Kimora met 35-year-old Russell Simmons after a runway show during New York Fashion Week. Kimora bounced from the classrooms of Lutheran High School, to the covers of many magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Harper Bazaar. Kimora has modeled for legendary designers such as Christian Dior and Roberto Cavalli, and has posed for fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz. Kimora has also been a dedicated follower of TV. She has been a judge for many models on fashion programs such as America’s Next Top Model & MTV’s Fashionably Loud. In 1999, her fashion line called “Baby Phat” was created from baby T-shirts to a full line for Urban Women’s Wear. “Baby Phat” is an acronym for “Pretty, Hot and Tempting”. Celebrities, super models, and arbiters of style began wearing the Baby Phat tees and the phenomenon grew as Kimora launched a sportswear collection. In 2000, Kimora and Russell had their first daughter together, Ming Lee Simmons. Two years later, they had their second daughter and named her Aoki Lee Simmons. Both daughters now model for Baby Phat Collection. She is now dating the model and actor Djimon Hounsou. They had their first son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou in May 2009. In January 2004, Kimora and Russell sold the apparel and licensing of Baby Phat and Phat Farm brands to Kellwood Company, which included the Diamond Diva line. They also signed with Coty Inc. to create a line of women’s fragrance. Lifestyle brand was born and expanded into over 20 product categories from fragrance, jewelry, footwear and kids apparel to outerwear, handbags and intimates. Simmons then launched her junior line called “Kouture” which continues to grow. In 2007, her own reality show Kimora’s Life in the Fab Lane aired on the E Channel & My Style Network which has 4 seasons and viewed in more than 200 countries. She published her first book in 2006 called Fabulousity: What it is and How to Get It, which rave reviews from respected publications such as The Washington Post and Boston Globe. Kimora donates her time to numerous charitable organizations such as Dress for Success, PETA, and Make a Wish Foundation. Simmons has her own foundation called “The Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund” which provides college tuition support for academically successful girls with demonstrated financial needs. She is also a member of youth organizations including AMFAR, G&P Foundation, Keep a Child Alive, and Harvey Milk School, for which she serves on the board of directors.
“How Miss. Simmons Style Separate Her from Others”
What separates Kimora Lee Simmons from others is that she always has a positive attitude and is willing to help out anyone. According to her website, she is listed as a “savvy business woman, author, philanthropist, producer, top model, entrepreneur, and television personality,” and was also named one of the top “Hardest Working Mothers in Hollywood” today. She puts in a lot of hard work and effort towards whatever it is she does. She is always energetic and fun to be around. Her style is very creative and unique. “Fabulousity” is the one word Simmons uses to describe her life, her work and her true fans. She also has her own Hello Kitty Jewelry Collection called “Simmons Jewelry Collection” varying from necklaces, earrings, rings, watches and so much more. Simmons created a Barbie in her own image, which was released by Mattel in 2007. She also appeared in movies such as Beauty Shop, Waist Deep, and The Big Tease.
“Why Miss. Simmons Inspires Me to be like her”
The reason why Miss Kimora inspires me to become a designer like her is because she came a long way to where she is right now. No matter who or what got in her way, she still fought for what she wanted and made her dreams into a reality. I watched every episode of her reality show Life in the Fab Lane to get experience of what I have to look forward to in the fashion industry and business world that she already knows well. The show is very fun, and I enjoy every minute of it. She makes what she does easier than it is which inspires me because of the fact that she loves her job. Also, juggling her work with being a mom is very challenging and I honor her for everything she does. She still gets the job done while showing unconditional love to her fans and her kids. She is a great role model for everyone from young girls and teenagers to middle aged and older women as she grows to the top. I recommend everyone including myself to take notes and learn every step of the way. I admire Miss Kimora Lee Simmons not only because she is famous but also because she encourages me to stay focused and follow my dreams. One day I will be where she is now.
Written By: Ashley Poteat
Email for Questions: princess.ash14@yahoo.com
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