Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kimora Lee Simmons’ Net Worth?
Kimora Lee Simmons, a prominent figure in the American fashion industry, boasts a net worth of $80 million. This substantial wealth is the result of her diverse career as a model, author, and, most significantly, a fashion entrepreneur. Her journey to financial success began with her modeling career and was significantly amplified through her involvement with the Baby Phat fashion line.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born Kimora Lee Perkins on May 4, 1975, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kimora’s early life was marked by a unique blend of African American, Korean, and Japanese heritage. Her height, nearly six feet tall by age ten, led her mother to enroll her in modeling classes at age eleven. This decision proved pivotal, as she soon secured a modeling contract with Chanel. At the young age of 14, Karl Lagerfeld, the iconic designer, handpicked her to model for Chanel, catapulting her into international fame. Lagerfeld’s belief in Kimora was evident when he dubbed her the “Face of the 21st Century,” advocating for greater racial diversity in the fashion world. She went on to model for high-fashion brands, including Fendi, Valentino, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Anna Sui, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Kimora Lee Simmons’s early exposure to high fashion provided her with invaluable experience and insights into the industry, setting the stage for her later entrepreneurial endeavors. Her modeling career not only boosted her visibility but also equipped her with a keen understanding of fashion trends, marketing, and brand building. These skills would prove crucial in her subsequent role as a fashion executive and entrepreneur.
Business Ventures and the Success of Baby Phat
Kimora’s most significant business achievement is her role in the development and expansion of the Baby Phat fashion line. In 1998, her then-husband, Russell Simmons, created Baby Phat as a women’s extension of his urban menswear brand, Phat Farm. Kimora initially served as the designer, channeling her personal style and preferences into the brand’s aesthetic. By 2000, she was appointed President and Creative Director of Baby Phat.
Under Kimora’s leadership, Baby Phat experienced substantial growth. By 2001, the brand’s gross revenue reached $30 million. The combined profits of Phat Farm and Baby Phat soared to $265 million by 2002. In 2004, Kellwood Company acquired Phat Fashions for $140 million, but Kimora remained at the helm as President and Creative Director. During this period, she broadened the brand’s product offerings to include denim, accessories, jewelry, swimwear, and fragrances. In 2006, she was promoted to President of Phat Fashions, a position she held until her departure in 2010. Even after leaving the company, Kimora retained ownership of the licensing rights for her fragrance and cosmetics collections, including Baby Phat Goddess (2005), Golden Goddess, Seductive Goddess, Baby Phat Fabulosity, Luv Me, and Baby Phat Dare Me, which were sold in major department stores across America, such as Sears and Macy’s. In 2019, she announced her re-acquisition of the Baby Phat brand, signaling her continued commitment to the fashion industry.
Beyond Baby Phat, Kimora ventured into other business endeavors, including the Simmons Jewelry Company, which marketed jewelry under the Phat Farm and Baby Phat labels. She partnered with Sanrio Ltd. in 2006 to launch the “Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty” line, sold at Neiman Marcus. A subsequent Hello Kitty collection was released with Zales Corporation in 2008. In 2006, she collaborated with Sephora and Macy’s to introduce her own cosmetics brand, KLS Cosmetics. Kimora continued her relationship with Macy’s, launching her KLS fashion collection with the department store in 2010 and the Kouture by Kimora brand, exclusive to Macy’s. In 2011, Kimora partnered with Swiss skincare company Makari de Suisse to launch an anti-aging skincare line targeted towards multi-ethnic women. She also entered the luxury market with the launch of her KIMORA LEE SIMMONS high fashion collection, distributed through Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, and Farfetch. In 2012, Kimora became President and Creative Director of the personalized shopping website JustFab, a role she held until 2015. Under her direction, JustFab grew into a prominent player in the fashion subscription service industry.
Television Career and Media Appearances
Kimora’s media presence extends beyond the fashion world. Her first television hosting role was on “One World Music Beat” in 1998. In 2004, she hosted the syndicated talk show “Life and Style,” produced by Sony Pictures Television. She starred in her own reality television shows, including “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane,” which premiered on E! in 2007 and ran for seven seasons, and “Kimora: House of Fab,” which debuted on the Style Network in 2013. Kimora also served as a judge on the first season of Tyra Banks’ reality competition show “America’s Next Top Model.” Other projects include her 2006 book “Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It,” and appearances in music videos for artists like Ginuwine, Usher, and Jay-Z. Additionally, she produced the show “Def Poetry Jam” on Broadway, which won her a Tony Award for a Special Theatrical Event in 2003.
Kimora Lee Simmons’s television career and media appearances have broadened her reach and solidified her status as a pop culture icon. These ventures have not only contributed to her income but also enhanced her brand recognition, further supporting her business endeavors.
Real Estate Portfolio
Kimora’s real estate investments provide a glimpse into her financial portfolio. In 2006, shortly after separating from Russell Simmons, Kimora purchased a 13,000-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills for $8.5 million. After acquiring a larger Beverly Hills property, she rented out the original mansion for as much as $55,000 per month. She sold this home in July 2023 for $16.5 million.
In 2014, Kimora and her then-husband, Tim Leissner, purchased a New York City apartment for $19 million. In 2017, they acquired a 20,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills for $25 million. The mansion, situated on nearly four acres in an exclusive gated community, featured 7 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, lush gardens, a home theater, a sunken tennis court, and a mosaic-tiled swimming pool. The property had been listed for $33.5 million before being reduced to $29.95 million and subsequently taken off the market. However, in January 2021, Kimora and Tim sold this mansion for $16 million, resulting in a $9 million loss.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kimora Lee Simmons’s personal life has been a subject of public interest. She married Russell Simmons in December 1998, and they have two daughters: Ming Lee Simmons (born 2000) and Aoki Lee Simmons (born 2002). The couple separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2009. In the summer of 2008, Kimora began a relationship with actor Djimon Hounsou, and their son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, was born in 2009. The couple separated in 2012. In February 2014, Kimora married banker Tim Leissner, and they have a son, Wolfe Lee Leissner, born in 2015. Tim Leissner’s involvement in the 1MDB Malaysia corruption scandal, which cost Goldman Sachs over $3 billion in fines and other costs, brought further public attention to Kimora’s personal life. Leissner pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in 2018 and agreed to forfeit $43.7 million in income.
Kimora Lee Simmons Net Worth Summary
Kimora Lee Simmons’s $80 million net worth is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and enduring presence in the fashion and entertainment industries. Her career trajectory, from modeling to fashion executive and reality television star, showcases her versatility and ability to adapt to changing market trends. While her real estate investments have experienced fluctuations, her overall financial success remains significant, reflecting her long-term contributions to the fashion world and her continued pursuit of new ventures.
Kimora Lee Simmons’ journey is an example of how diverse ventures can contribute to a substantial net worth. From her early days as a model working with Chanel and other high-fashion brands to her entrepreneurial achievements with Baby Phat and beyond, her career is a blend of fashion, business, and media presence. The $80 million net worth showcases her enduring influence and savvy business decisions over the years.
Kimora’s influence extends beyond her financial achievements; she is a cultural icon who has impacted the fashion industry with her unique style and vision. Her entrepreneurial journey, characterized by creativity and strategic business decisions, has solidified her place as a prominent figure in the fashion and business realms, with a net worth that reflects her accomplishments and influence.
The details of her real estate investments, television career, and business ventures highlight the diverse streams that contribute to her overall financial success. These elements, combined with her personal brand and cultural impact, cement her status as a successful and influential figure, further underpinning her significant net worth.
Kimora Lee Simmons’s impact on the fashion world is undeniable, and her business acumen is evident in her career achievements. The $80 million net worth is a reflection of her success in multiple areas, from modeling to entrepreneurship, and underscores her ongoing influence and relevance in both the fashion and business worlds. Her ability to evolve and adapt has been key to her continued success.
