Kimora Lee Simmons

Model / Business Personality

The creative director of Baby Phat fashions, Kimora Lee Simmons is a former model and the wife of record and clothing mogul Russell Simmons. She was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri but spent her teen years as a supermodel for Chanel of Paris and others. In 1998 she married Simmons, the founder of Def Jam Records and creator of the Phat Farm clothing brand. Kimora was put in charge of Baby Phat, a spinoff of Phat Farm, and made her reputation as a savvy businesswoman. At the same time she was appearing on various cable television programs, including the syndicated show Life and Style. Her book Fabulosity was released in 2006; the title was taken from her series of the same name on cable channel VH1. A pop culture entrepreneur with brand extensions in entertainment and consumer goods, Kimora is now rich and famous for being rich and famous.

Extra credit: Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons announced in March 2006 that they were separating with plans to divorce, but would continue to work together.