Aoki Lee Simmons Says Comparisons to Mom Kimora Are 'Annoying' as She Reveals Why She's 'Wrapping Up' Modeling

Mar. 15, 2025

Aoki Lee Simmons.Photo:Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Aoki Lee Simmonsplans on walking away from the modeling industry in the near future.

“It’s hard to go somewhere and get told over and over and over, ‘No, [and] you’re not pretty enough,’ " said Aoki, who made herrunway debut in July 2021for Pyer Moss Haute Couture and worked for Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Dolce & Gabbana. She also added that modeling is a “hard” industry to break into.

Plus, being the daughter ofKimora Lee Simmons— who modeled for high-profile fashion labels such as Chanel, Fendi and Valentino — has led to comparisons, according to Aoki. She noted that during castings, especially for gigs that her mom got, it sometimes feels “like one big fat comparison," which can be “annoying.”

Kimora Lee Simmons (left) and Aoki Lee Simmons in 2023.David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty

David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty

“A lot of women of color are made to look like they were having a breakdown when we’re just being human and showing emotion. I’m sorry that I’m not fake as s— and pretend that everyday is my most confident, beautiful day. I feel very beautiful. People are always calling me insecure. I feel very fine.”

The message she really wanted to share with her followers was: “You don’t always feel your most beautiful, but you gotta show up and do your best and it turns out okay.”

“Raise your hand if you‘ve ever had a bad day at work,” she added.

Aoki Lee Simmons in 2021.Cindy Ord/WireImage

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While modeling is still a part of her life, Aoki says she’ll do her “best” and cross the finish line “strong and with respect.”

She’s also begun thinking about what her career might look like after she’s done posing for the cameras and that would be working in international relations, which aligns with her college degree.

Aoki studied at Harvard University and made headlines in 2019 when sheannounced her acceptanceat just 16 years old. Shegraduated from the Ivy League schoolin May 2023.

“I feel grateful, proud and relieved — in that order!” Aoki told PEOPLE of her accomplishment at the time. “It’s a surreal feeling to be done with something that was such a huge part of my life. Now, like every other graduate, I’m on to the next chapter.”

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source: people.com