MANILA, Philippines - Kimora Lee Simmons lives a multi-faceted life. A model, mogul and mom, she’s always ready to spread her trademark fabulosity in life, love and fashion. E! gives televiewers an exciting look into the accomplished model-turned-designer’s fabled life on Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, every Tuesday night at 7:40.
Among the many things that Kimora is famous for is her love for bling. Often criticized about it, Kimora remains unapologetic. “I don’t apologize for my diamonds. Some people say it’s ostentatious, but what they don’t get is that it’s all one big celebration, a way of telling the world, ‘I’m here! I made it!’”
A Midwest misfit, Kimora’s sentiments may be forgiven given her not so easy past. Born out of wedlock and raised by a single mother, she says “there wasn’t much cash to throw around on frivolous things like fashion, so naturally, that’s what I wanted most.”
It didn’t take long for Kimora to set the fashion world ablaze with her alluring presence. At 11, Kimora caught the eye of fashion watchdogs, thanks to her exotic Asian, African-American features and towering physique (she was already 5’10” by age 10). Dubbed “the face of the 21st century” by no less than fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, Kimora was already modeling for the House of Chanel at 13. She has also modeled for some of the world’s most legendary designers including Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Yves Saint Laurent, in addition to posing for iconic fashion photographers like Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindberg and Annie Liebovitz.
One of the highlights of Kimora’s life was her marriage to Russell Simmons, touted as the “Godfather of Hip-Hop,” with whom she has two daughters, Ming Lee, 11 and Aoki Lee, eight. Despite the couple’s 2006 separation, they remained partners in their fashion venture, Baby Phat.
In March 2007, Kimora dated Djimon Hounsou and when her divorce from Russell was finalized in January 2009, Kimora and Djimon were married in a traditional Benin wedding ceremony. In May 2009, they welcomed Kenzo Lee Hounsou into the world.
Today, Kimora is regarded as one of fashion’s most popular and influential figures. Her fashion empire includes clothing, shoes, fragrance, cosmetics, dolls and jewelry. “I was born a fashion girl, and I’ll die a fashion girl. I’m playing with color and texture and shimmer with about the same seriousness as my daughters do and I’m enjoying it!” says Kimora.
With such a positive outlook, it certainly makes sense to hang out with Kimora and experience what it’s like to really live life in the fab lane.
E! is available to SkyCable Gold and Silver digital subscribers on Channel 57.