Kimora Takes Style on a Joyride
Thu., Aug. 2, 2007 4:26 PM PDT by Danielle Datu
Stories about Lindsay Lohan's penchant for wild rides may be coming out of the woodwork, but the details of model-turned-designer Kimora Lee Simmons' joyride to the top are just as juicy! It's no wonder she snagged her own reality show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, premiering this Sunday at 8/7c on the Style Network.
After all, this is the same woman who appeared on a Times Square billboard wearing nothing but sneakers, some bling and a smile. "I'm always naked...growing up in the fashion industry...I don't know if I'm a little bit of an exhibitionist, but mostly I don't care, I don't give a damn," Kimora revealed on Tyra. (She'd be a shoo-in for The Real World.) It's just this kind of outrageous behavior that makes for good television!
Kimora's approach to life melds high fashion and hip-hop. "The hip-hop lifestyle means being on full-blast, 24/7; it's always luxurious, fun and sexy," she writes in Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It. And no doubt Kimora represents! She owns the largest private collection of Louis Vuitton handbags and has an impressive assortment of designer stilettos (we're still awaiting a diss track from Imelda Marcos).
And did we mention that Kimora loves her bling? "I don't apologize for my diamonds," she told the New York Daily News last year. "Look, Queen Elizabeth has more diamonds than me. Why don't people attack her for it?" She has even iced out everything from Hello Kitty to the front teeth of her runway models. That's right—she had an orthodontist applying grills backstage at the Baby Phat show last fall.
"Some people say it's ostentatious, but what they don't get is that it's all one big celebration, a way of telling the world, 'I'm here! I made it,' " she writes.
A misfit from the Midwest, Kimora was born out of wedlock and raised by a single mother. "There wasn't much cash to throw around on frivolous things like fashion, so naturally that's what I wanted most," she confesses in Fabulosity.
What she least wanted was to be called names like "Chinky Giraffe." As she recalls, "It really hurt, especially since 'chink' was like a slap in the face to my Mom and all the values she believed in." But it was Kimora's exotic features (her mom is Japanese-Korean, her father African American) and towering physique (she was 5-foot-10 by the age of 11 and now stands 6 feet tall) that made her worthy of another moniker: "Karlette," after style czar Karl Lagerfeld.
Dubbed "the face of the 21st century" by Lagerfeld, Kimora was modeling for the House of Chanel by the age of 13. Designer garb galore and no more mean girls? Check!
Kimora's Cinderella story wouldn't be complete without her marriage to the "Godfather of Hip-Hop," Russell Simmons, with whom she has two daughters—Ming Lee, 7, and Aoki Lee, 4. Eventually, Kimora became president and creative director of premiere female hip-hop brand Baby Phat, a spinoff of her husband's Phat Farm line.
"I have this vision of Kimora being the greatest brand in the world," Russell told New York magazine back in 2004—and that vision has been coming true ever since. Although his marriage to Kimora didn't last, his dream for the former model is alive and well. Today, Kimora's fashion empire includes clothing, shoes, fragrance, cosmetics, dolls and jewelry.
"I was born a fashion girl, and I'll die a fashion girl. I'm playing with color and texture and shimmer with about the same seriousness as my daughters do, and I'm enjoying it!" she declares in Fabulosity.
And trust us, so will you! Get ready for your next guilty pleasure, 'cause Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane premieres this Sunday, August 5, at 8/7c—only on Style!
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Show the next 51 - 100 of 624 comments
Now loading...FABMOM Fri, Aug 3, 2007, 11:04 AM
1. I just got done watching a sneak peak of the new show. Loved it ! Kimora do your thing girl. As a woman of color it is good to see other women of color doing there thing, it has been okay for the men to do it for years. I loved the way you put your foot down about the Barbie. We need more for our little girls. You keep your head up and go girl no matter what.
Maddy Fri, Aug 3, 2007, 1:55 PM
2. The day of shows that feature immature, over-indulged, and all-around badly behaved women is over. Stop glamorising women who have no more going for them than an evil temper. Showcasing someone like this overaged brat will eventually cost you viewers. I resent your network holding this spoiled loser up as an example of an American woman. Put her back in her pampered fantasy world and spare us from watching her tantrums. Kill this show while you can still maintain some dignity.
TheBrokeSocialite Fri, Aug 3, 2007, 3:04 PM
3. Watched the episode on-line this morning. LOVED IT! KiKi is my new imaginary BFF. Is she shallow? Absolutely. Crazy? Definitely. But I find myself wishing that I could be her when I "grow up". This is my new escape---I intend to be front and center each Sunday---after the chores are done, the hubby is in the media den and the kiddo is in bed. I might even break out the bubbly and a cupcake every week as a ritual. The bottom line is: this is entertainment---no more, no less. Thanks, style.
"J" Fri, Aug 3, 2007, 6:29 PM
4. Wow I see the "Maddy--Haters" are already in the house. Maddy Darling don't hate the player hate the game. Watched the show KiKi it's bumping do your thing girl do your thing. Much Love to Style....
"L" Sat, Aug 4, 2007, 5:50 AM
5. One adjective to describe this show: pointless.
Shelew Sat, Aug 4, 2007, 7:01 PM
6. Wow I surprisingly loved the show! So much so that I am responding on the comments(this is a first). My husband recently started his own company and I thought the show really touched on what it takes to run a business. If you don't stand your own ground, who will! Haters please stop hating!!
stewie Sat, Aug 4, 2007, 8:39 PM
7. Hey, Broke Socialite! KIKI is my new imaginary BFF too!!!! Don't forget to make me a cupcake! FYI: vanilla frosting is my fave!
auntcheryl Sat, Aug 4, 2007, 9:29 PM
8. we were preparing to remove the wallpaper in my room. It was effortless, all it took was the 30sec. trailor from the show. The paper peeled off due to the shreeking voice of this Kimora person. Please tell her to tone it down. You don't have to scream to be heard.
SADINNJ Sat, Aug 4, 2007, 9:44 PM
9. It really SUCKS that all of New Jersey does NOT have the STyle Network. I live in Newark and we have CableVision and they DO NOT have the style network. I LOVE KiKI and got a chance to watch the show online today.. I hope the style network will put a link up where we can watch the show even after it airs like monday night or so. I am willing to sacrifice my monday night lineup for it !!
Sherry Wells Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 10:21 AM
10. This is the most aggravating commercial I've ever listened to all the shrieking and yelling is very nerve wracking and offensive. It portrays her as a spoiled human being that wants everything her own way. Mercy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jess-watching Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 11:40 AM
11. I can't wait for more episodes! I was happy that Kimora wanted the Barbie to be named Barbie and not a "sidekick". While true I didn't agree with all her choices, she explained some of them ( giving the younger kids a shot because someone gave her a shot.) I was hoping that there would have been more diverse faces behind the scenes.(ad agency,stylists,lawyer,anyone outside the staff) Maybe there aren't enough of 'us' doing those types of things... in itself, that may be the hardest part to see.
Nickole Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 12:57 PM
12. Style network you did it again! Couldn't think of a better network for Kimora's show. I loved the sneak peak it was AWESOME! She's definitely inspiring! I'm hooked, line and sinker for this show. Haters don't be intimidated by a powerful minority women who's in control. Oh, may I mention she's as clean cut as Beyonce, so there is nothing for you to tear her down for.
annarama Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 1:02 PM
13. This person has nothing to do with style or good taste. I believe it is referred to as conspicuous consumption.
Armando Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 3:12 PM
14. I agree!!!
Miks Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 6:11 PM
15. I know a lot of people have a lot of bad things to say about Kimora but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HER! I think she is a great mother. The way she takes command of her business affairs may seem a bit harsh but how can you knock her for it. She hasn't gotten as far as she, has being soft! The business world is a hard place and you have push to get the results that keep you on top! I'm a mother of 3 and I won't claim her as a role model but I am happy to see a stong female doing her thing successfully!
Ivy Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 7:17 PM
16. This show is great. It can be viewed as a little boring (based on the first episode) if you dont have a love for fashion/entertainment or hip hop. Overall, I like how Kimora stays true to herself. She has a persona and an image and she never fails to portray that. I love her to death....I love her lifestyle and she lives it to the fullest. She is still a real person but she has a sense of entitlement that offends some people. I applaud it. More of us should believe we deserve the best!
TEE Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 8:09 PM
17. I really hate when ppl get on blogs just to say something negative. Maddy, if you think Kimora is spoiled then why did you tune in to watch the show, why log on and blog about it. If you hate her, ignore her. I, myself LOVE Kimora. I love everything about her and my closet has nothing but Baby Phat in it and I swear I couldnt wait for the show to air. Everyone who has a problem with Kimora or her show, dont watch it. Simple as that.
pchacco Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 8:18 PM
18. I love, love, love Kimora. I love the show and can't wait to see what's next for her 'Fabulous' life. Keep up the great work of showing us how it's done!!
Ms. Mobetta Sun, Aug 5, 2007, 8:35 PM
19. I absolutely love the show! It was tha BOMB and Ms. Kimora is definitely fabulous and funny! I will be tuning in every week.
Kat Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 12:08 AM
20. I think the show is alright. I might watch it again, but if it stays this way I most likely would not keep watching it.
DWS Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 6:15 AM
21. I thought the show was great. I would love to hang out with Kimora for a day. She is fierce, fabulous, and fantastic. She is definitely a great example of a business woman and mother. I will be viewing every episode.
Desiree Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 9:04 AM
22. I simply loved the Kimora show last night!! I am an up and coming African American, female entrepreneur and she just gave me the encouragement to keep moving forward. Kimora is about business and I family and I look forward to more episodes. And good job on telling those women at Mattel what YOU wanted in YOUR Barbie doll! You could tell they didn't like it....but they needed to hear it.
Stay Ci Romell Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 11:01 AM
23. I loved the show. I am completely abused with it. I can't wait till next week. I have always loved Baby Phat and Kimora is GREAT. I am glad that she is bitchy, and she keeps it real, she does not try to act like someone she isn't. All the rest of the people that posted negative comments are just haters there jealous. I know that I'll keeping tuning in every week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 1:40 PM
24. I flipped through channels last night, saw this "show." Indeed, it was a show! A show of what happens when someone quite unextraordinary develops a sense of entitlement based on their position in life (earned or not); seeks to bolster confidence by belittling people; and flaunts a lifestyle that 99% of the population will never and can never achieve. Yet, after watching that train wreck for 7 minutes, who would WANT to emmulate her? Certainly not me. I won't watch another second.
Jessica Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 4:56 PM
25. I loved the show it was great alot of people hate on her, but why do that cause shes going to be the same person the next day. Anyways I got an autograph by her and she said she loved my purse. I do hope style put the show onDemand by comcast (Did you get that style network)
VAL Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 5:35 PM
26. Thank you for showing your viewers why Russell Simmons filed for divorce.
Eileen Moore Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 5:47 PM
27. Hello, I watched the show. I couldn't help but noticed how demanding Kimora appears to be..... she must remember God is watching how she treats people and will judge her and all of us. She seems to think money, fame & glamour is everything. However, none of that will matter when you/we die. God wont judge us by that. It's just material things. Also, I'm curious to know why she gave her two daughters both Asian names. They are part African American. They should embrace both heritages.
Dee Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 7:28 PM
28. And they accused Martha Stewart of being a ball buster! This woman emasculated her manager to the point of tears and thinks we should all enjoy watching this as "entertainment"??? Watching pitbulls fight might be more palatable. It's hard to imagine the real denizens of fashion behaving so crassly! What a legacy SHE is leaving to the world and her children. More importantly that your channel would encourage this behaviour is puzzling!
Ms. Alen Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 8:30 PM
29. GREAT JOB!!! KIMORA I HEARD YOU SAY TO ONE OF THE YOUNG MEN ON YOUR SHOW. THAT YOU NEED A NEW ASSISTANT. I'VE BEEN A VERY SUCESSFUL ESTATE MANAGER FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE TO HELP YOU IN ANY OR ALL OF YOUR DAILY DUTYS. WISH'S OF GREAT ON YOUR SHOW!!!! THANK YOU, MS. ALLEN ESTATE MAMAGER
Gina Mon, Aug 6, 2007, 10:24 PM
30. Im not a hater but this women is stuck up and whacked. Why do you have to be a hater to know someones weak personality and not be fooled by it. Weak show to support this woman. Be humble people.
bsista Tue, Aug 7, 2007, 3:38 AM
31. The show was FAB! Remeber people we have on & off on the remote for a reason, if you don't like it - turn it off. Don 't hate! If Kimora turned it down, it wouldn't be her. We need to celebrate successful woman, who are during it their way! Look forward to watching the show every week.
jazz Tue, Aug 7, 2007, 4:47 AM
32. Kimora is mean to her staff. She needs to realize they are the creative ones not you. You are only head of the company because you married Russell Simmons. You do not bring out the best of your staff. You just bring out how little talent your have with no manners. Women can be stern without being rude. You need to appreciate your staff!
Becca Tue, Aug 7, 2007, 7:22 AM
33. Ugh! I will not watch this nightmare again. Yet another person substituting leadership with temper. She's supposedly "in charge" but I failed to see where she actually did anything. She mostly berated everyone else. And, disturbingly, loved it. What is with the current notion of encouraging young women to behave in this manner? More and more shows reward females for engaging in this b-word behavior. It's disturbing, to say the least. It is not necessary to act this way to be FAB.
Ilianexy Tue, Aug 7, 2007, 3:04 PM
34. I love it! I am already addicted! I had a very wrong impression of Kimora, I thought she was a straight bitchy witch, but when I saw this episode I was so surprised, she is very likeable, she treats her staff as if they were family, she seems like a great mother, she has her temper which we all have, and she needs that to run her company. But I love to see her wonderful lifestyle and her daughter are the cutest. Can't wait to see the next episode!
Relic Wed, Aug 8, 2007, 12:13 PM
35. I absolutely detest Kimora Lee. She symbolizes avarice. She is pompous, talentless, loud and ignorant. I don't intend to watch this show
Towanda Thu, Aug 9, 2007, 4:00 PM
36. The show was ok, but I do agree that it does not seem like she does (or can do) ANYTHING. I'm not gonna knock her, but her staff deserves ALL the credit. She did a lot of complaining and seemed a bit ungreatful to the very people who keep her head above water. Watch out Kimora...Karma may come back at you. I probably won't watch it again, besides I can only afford Baby Phat when it's on the clearance rack.
tonaka Thu, Aug 9, 2007, 4:58 PM
37. I abolustely love Kimora to kisses and I love her show! she is the most glamorous, fabulous, entitled and completely over-the-top endulgent woman Ive ever seen... and I love her for it!! Keep the fabulousness going...
TheLadyofEmAll Thu, Aug 9, 2007, 5:47 PM
38. I LOVE Kimora! She's not being a brat...it's just in this day and age, when you're a woman trying to be successful and you're a minority, you have to put your foot down a little harder than other women...she's inspiring....Thannx Kimora for telling Mattel we need Barbie in every color!! That always bothered me, even as a child...Barbie CAN be Black!
Reality Fri, Aug 10, 2007, 12:36 PM
39. I watch the show for my own reasons. But Kimora is a spoiled brat. She has not done anything and earned anything in her life. By the way she acts you can tell she is hiding a lot of pain. What I do not understand to this day is how the only thing she can say about her modeling career is doing Chanel. What else has she done as far as modeling is concerned? No one is hating on her. People always get upset when some1 says something about ppl who could care less if they were living or dead. Ha....
Reality Fri, Aug 10, 2007, 12:43 PM
40. I just feel so sorry for her everytime I see her.
Reality Fri, Aug 10, 2007, 1:01 PM
41. I am not sure if this went through, but the bottom line is that Kimora does not care about you, me or anyone else on this blog. There is no need to get all upset and bent out of shape about someone who would not spit on you if you were on fire. There is no need to call anyone a hater and get hurt about someone you don't even know and does not even want to know you. Everyone has some1 they are not very fond of . Even those who get all defensive and hurt. Does that make you a hater too? NEWSFLASH!
PRINCES TEDDY <3z KIMORA Fri, Aug 10, 2007, 10:45 PM
42. I FREAKIN LOVE YOU YOU ARE MY IDOL AND YOU ARE SOO INSPERATIONAL TO ME I LOVE YOUR SHOW IT INSPIRES ME TO GO TO THE TOP IM STYLISH LIKE YOU YOU ARE MY NUMBER ONE FAN AND I HOPE IN MY LIFETIME I GET TO BE JUST LIKE YOU YOU FUGIN ROCK KIMORA LEE SIMONS YOU ARE MY INSPERATION
D Sat, Aug 11, 2007, 10:43 AM
43. I've seen parts of that Kimora show. It has to be the most boring thing I have ever seen. A spoiled dingbat walking around very aware of the fact that there is a camera on her all the time. Now when it comes on, I cant find the remote fast enough. What idiot was sitting in an office and came up with this one?????????? Its almost as action packed as the Simple Life!!
KitKat Sat, Aug 11, 2007, 6:06 PM
44. For the love of everything holy! Kimora is one of the most shallow, repulsive, cheesy, tacky, immature twats out there. She makes Paris Hilton look demure. I will use her as an example to my little girls of what NOT to be or become. I admire (that's a strong word but lets go with it) her entrepreneurial success (off the back of her husband no less) but not at the cost of someone else’s dignity or spirit. She is abusive, superficial and quite an embarrassment.
Ariel Sat, Aug 11, 2007, 9:42 PM
45. A strong, independent, intelligent, and savvy female entreprenuer is Oprah. And Kimora is no Oprah. Tsk, tsk. Kimora could take a few lessons from Ms. O, specifically on grace and humility.
Lynds Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 1:17 AM
46. Can somebody please tell me what brand of aviator sunglasses Kimora is always wearing in silver? I love them!!!!
Rob Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 5:32 AM
47. I like the show and i respect Kimora for her business savvy but personally I dont think I could handle her BS. But I guess that is how business goes. I love James tho. He is so adorable. One day I’ll probably end up in his shoes doing his kind of job. I kinda feel bad for him and everyone else that works in such stressful conditions. It’s just too much. But I will definitely keep watching the show…..just to see James. ;-)
Mz.1 Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 6:12 AM
48. As a young 1st Grade Teacher, Kimora I've always been fan or your work. The show is "FAB" lots of love in West Palm Beach, FLA! ))))) MOTIVATION FOR KIMORA((((((((((( ~Keep_It_Kute~ A Famous Qyatra Quote.
Patty Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 8:55 AM
49. Why is this show on the air? This woman is both ugly inside and outside. T Treats people like crap. Why is the style networking perpetuating this type of quasi-wanna-be-celebrity? I put this spoiled and empty woman in the same category as Paris Hilton, Linsay Lohan, and Britney Spears. Absolutely devoid of any personality, intelligence, or class... with lots of money, but no common sense. What is she famous for?... nothing besides her DUI and drug arrest. Get her off the air!!!
Cara Sun, Aug 12, 2007, 8:55 AM
50. I watched Kimora for the first time this morning-what a spoiled, awful person. I love the Baby Phat line but had no idea the woman behind it was such an unstable *****. Sorry, but for those who think she's fabulous- that just says a lot about our backwards society . She's not a role model for women , period. She treats her staff terribly, she treats the people who are designing her Barbie like crap, and comes across as a real snot. I for one won't watch again- this woman needs therapy!!!!!