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Kimora SimmonsAmerican fashion model, writer and actress
Date of Birth: 14.05.1975
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Modeling Career
- Personal Life
- Business Ventures
- Entertainment and Media
- Philanthropy and Recognition
Early Life and Modeling Career
Kimora Lee Simmons was born on 4 May 1975, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her mother, Joan Perkins, is Korean-Japanese, while her father, Vernon Whitlock Jr., is African-American. Raised in St. Louis' northern suburbs, Kimora experienced bullying due to her tall stature and mixed heritage.
At age 12, her mother encouraged Kimora to pursue modeling. A year later, Marie-Christine Kollock of Paris' Glamour model agency discovered her. By 13, she had signed an exclusive contract with Chanel, where she became Karl Lagerfeld's protégé. Kimora's extraordinary height, standing at 6 ft., made her a runway standout.
Personal Life
On 20 December 1998, Kimora married record executive Russell Simmons. They welcomed two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. In 2007, Kimora met actor Djimon Hounsou. She divorced Russell in 2009 and gave birth to a son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, with Djimon in the same year.
Business Ventures
Kimora is the President and Creative Director of Phat Fashions. She also served as the Creative Director of Baby Phat until 2009. In 2007, she launched the reality show "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane," which chronicled her life and family.
Entertainment and Media
Kimora has appeared in films, including "How High" (1999), "Beauty Shop" (2005), "Soul Men" (2008), and "Cross Bronx" (2008). On television, she has judged "America's Next Top Model" and participated in various reality shows.
Kimora has also written a book, "Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It" (2006), and launched a Barbie doll in her likeness. Additionally, she has created four women's fragrances: "Goddess," "Golden Goddess," "Seductive Goddess," and "Baby Phat Fabulosity."
Philanthropy and Recognition
Kimora has established the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund to support underprivileged girls in her hometown. She is also involved in numerous youth advocacy organizations, including Amfar, The G&P Foundation, Keep a Child Alive, and Rush Philanthropic. In 2008, the Mayor of St. Louis awarded her the keys to the city and named 18 March "Kimora Day."
