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Kimora Lee Simmons

Kimora Lee Simmons is an American fashion model, television personality, entrepreneur, and designer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kimora Lee Simmons is an American fashion model, television personality, entrepreneur, and designer. She became known as a model in the 1990s and later built the Baby Phat fashion and lifestyle brand, while also appearing in reality television and other media. She has been active in fashion, beauty, and business ventures.

Early life and modeling career

Kimora Lee Simmons was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and began modeling in her teens. Sources describe her as a model who worked with Chanel and other major fashion names before expanding into business and television.

Baby Phat and business ventures

Simmons launched Baby Phat in 1999, turning it into a major fashion and lifestyle brand. She later developed or invested in ventures across fashion, skincare, consumer goods, and technology.

Television career

Simmons became known on television through reality programming that followed her family and business life. Her credits include Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Kimora: House of Fab, and Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane.

Personal life

Public biographical sources identify Russell Simmons and Tim Leissner as her spouses. She has four children.

Key facts

  • She launched the global lifestyle brand Baby Phat in 1999.
  • She began modeling as a teenager and worked with major fashion houses, including Chanel.
  • She starred in reality television series including Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane and Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane.
  • She has been involved in fashion, beauty, consumer goods, and technology investments.
  • She was reported to have a net worth of over US$200 million by 2021.
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Canadian context

Kimora Lee Simmons has been a recognizable figure in North American fashion and reality television, with Baby Phat and related branding reaching Canadian audiences through international retail and media exposure.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kimora Lee Simmons?
She is an American model, fashion designer, businesswoman, and television personality known for Baby Phat and reality television.
What is Kimora Lee Simmons best known for?
She is best known for launching Baby Phat and for her reality television work.
When was Kimora Lee Simmons born?
She was born on May 4, 1975.
Where is Kimora Lee Simmons from?
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States.
How many children does Kimora Lee Simmons have?
Public biographical sources say she has four children.
What television shows is she associated with?
She is associated with Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Kimora: House of Fab, and Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimora_Lee_Simmons
    Supports: Birth date, Baby Phat launch, television career, business ventures, and reported net worth.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0454042/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, spouse information, and acting/producing credits.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/simmons-kimora-lee
    Supports: Early modeling career, Baby Phat role, and selected biographical details.
  4. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Kimora+Lee+Simmons/388898
    Supports: Career overview, Baby Phat launch, television work, and author credit.
  5. AAE Speakers Bureau — https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/kimora-lee-simmons
    Supports: Career overview, Baby Phat, television work, JustFab role, and later business activity.