Kimora Lee Simmons | Gary

Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner is an American businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality, and model who started her career modeling for luxury fashion brand Chanel at the age of 13 years old. Karl Lagerfeld, a designer of Chanel, was in charge of the project. Simmons opened the door for future mixed-race models in the fashion industry by inspiring Lagerfeld’s artistic vision and push for racial inclusivity, leading to her being dubbed the “21st Century Face” by the designer.

Among the celebrity’s modeling credits are her work with some of the most recognized fashion brands, including Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Kenzo, among many others. Russell Simmons, the supermodel’s then-husband and music mogul, was the founder of Phat Farm, an urban clothing company, in 1998. Under the name of Phat Fashions, Simmons launched a parallel women’s line, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. Baby Phat brought about $30 million in gross revenue in 2001. Despite being a loving mother to four children, Gary, a 10-year-old son, was adopted by the 44-year-old businesswoman.