Kimora Lee Simmons has been an important name in fashion for decades. Her bold and glamorous style in the late 90s and early 2000s influenced fashion trends and a generation of women who aspired to emulate her style.
The entrepreneur has been a pioneer for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion business. As a woman of color, she has used her platform to promote diversity and representation in the industry. She created the iconic brand Baby Phat, which was one of the few brands at the time that catered to women of color and embraced hip-hop culture. She also made a point to feature models of different races and body types in her fashion shows.
Simmons’ fashion and style have been important in empowering women. Her brand, Baby Phat, was all about celebrating women’s confidence and empowering them to be bold and unapologetic in their style choices. Her personal style also exudes confidence and encourages women to embrace their individuality and be unafraid to take risks with their fashion choices.
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Ahead, find some of our favorite looks from the designer.
Simmons redefined the little black dress with a lacy design. It paired beautifully with her go-to style: strappy sandals. This pair was highlighted by the super thin straps and skinny stiletto heel.
Simmons attended The Tony Awards presented by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing in 2003, wearing a red dress with a plunging neckline. She completed the look with strappy sandals and a glitzy ankle bracelet that coordinated with the jewelry on her wrist and ears.
For the 2nd annual Action Dinner for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, she selected a silk number designed with a crisscross halter neckline. She selected a unique pair of open-toe pumps for this event.
In 2006, the St. Louis native arrived at the annual American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) at Le Moulin de Mougins during the 59th International Cannes Film Festival in style. Simmons dolled up in a floor-length gown complete with tulle and embellishments.
Simmons slipped on a pink swing dress and two-tone strappy sandals for the Baby Phat fashion show afterparty. Baby Phat was an important brand in the Y2K era because it reflected the cultural trends of the time and helped to shape the fashion landscape of the early 2000s.
Simmons is known for styling with her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee Simmons. Over the years, they have also developed their own unique sense of style. Both young women are often seen wearing trendy, fashion-forward outfits that incorporate bold colors and patterns. They have also made a name for themselves as fashion influencers, with large social media followings and collaborations with major fashion brands.
Keeping with her style philosophy, Simmons strapped into a pair of strappy metallic sandals with an asymmetrical dress with a lace corset top for the 2022 amfAR Los Angeles Gala. Her hair was styled in a half-up, half-down hairstyle that shaped her face effortlessly.
