Aoki Lee Simmons, the 23-year-old daughter of fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, has been in the public eye for some time. Born into a world of glamour, entrepreneurship, and celebrity, she has emerged as a multifaceted talent: a runway model, Harvard graduate, activist, and emerging voice in fashion. With her striking features, intellectual depth, and unapologetic authenticity, Aoki is redefining what it means to be a “nepo baby” while forging her own legacy.
Early Life and Family Roots
Born on August 16, 2002, Aoki Lee Kyoko Simmons grew up surrounded by the trappings of fame. Her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, rose to prominence as a supermodel and Chanel muse before launching the iconic Baby Phat brand. At the same time, her father, Russell Simmons, co-founded Def Jam Records and built a hip-hop empire. Aoki, the younger sister of model Ming Lee Simmons, made her runway debut as a toddler, strutting alongside her family during Baby Phat shows in the early 2000s. She also appeared on her mother’s reality TV series, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, from 2007 to 2011.
Despite the spotlight, education was a priority. Aoki was an avid reader from a young age, devouring classics like D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. Enrolled in advanced schooling early, she was accepted into Harvard University at just 16 years old—one of the youngest Black women to do so in recent history. In May 2023, at age 20, she graduated with a double major in classics and government, balancing a rigorous academic load with her budding modeling career.
Breaking into Modeling: Beauty with Brains
Aoki’s modeling journey began in earnest during her time at Harvard. She made her New York Fashion Week debut, walking for designers such as Pyer Moss, Sergio Hudson, Alexander Wang (Fall/Winter 2024), and Oscar de la Renta (Pre-Spring 2025). Significant milestones include becoming the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2023 campaign—her first global gig—and landing covers for Teen Vogue (September 2023), Rollacoaster, and Flaunt.
Represented by agencies such as Nomad Management and The Lions, Aoki has collaborated with prominent brands including Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Monse, Lacoste, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and BCBG Max Azria. She has openly addressed the “nepo baby” label, crediting her family’s connections for the opportunities she has received while emphasizing her own hard work and dedication. In interviews, she’s pushed back against stereotypes, defending her choice to model despite her Ivy League credentials: “You can be two kinds of people in one person—smart and pretty.”
However, the industry hasn’t been without challenges. In 2024, Aoki hinted at frustrations, noting the difficulty of following in her mother’s footsteps and considering a pivot away from full-time modeling. She expressed interest in transitioning to a career aligned with her degree, possibly in government or policy.
Activism and Advocacy
Beyond the catwalk, Aoki uses her platform for good. She has volunteered in UN refugee camps during the Syrian crisis, participated in disaster relief efforts in hurricane-stricken Texas, and discussed youth voting with CNN’s Van Jones. In April 2025, she starred in a bold PETA campaign against SeaWorld, posing in a fishbowl to highlight the cruelty of marine mammal captivity. “If you don’t want to live in a fishbowl. Don’t go to SeaWorld,” she urged, joining celebrities like P!nk and Steve Aoki in the cause.
Personal Life and Recent Headlines
Aoki’s life has had its share of public scrutiny. Family dynamics with her father, Russell Simmons, have been strained at times, with past allegations of emotional tension. However, they reconciled in early 2025 during her extended stay with him in Bali. In 2024, a brief romance with restaurateur Vittorio Assaf (much older than her) made headlines, drawing mixed reactions.
Her mother, Kimora, has been a constant source of support. In 2025, Kimora returned to reality TV with Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, featuring Aoki and her siblings, which showcased their glamorous yet grounded family life.
What’s Next for Aoki Lee Simmons?
At 23, Aoki remains a model on the rise, with recent editorials in Numéro Netherlands and runway appearances keeping her at the forefront of the fashion conversation. Yet, her Harvard background and activist spirit suggest bigger ambitions—perhaps in public service, writing, or philanthropy. As she navigates fame, family, and self-discovery, Aoki Lee Simmons proves that intelligence, beauty, and purpose can coexist. In a world quick to label, she’s determined to write her own story—one fierce step at a time.
