Career Timeline of Kimora Lee Simmons: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Kimora Lee Simmons, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kimora Lee Simmons is an American businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality, and former model. She gained prominence as a model, working with Chanel and other major fashion houses. In 1999, Simmons launched Baby Phat, a global lifestyle brand that significantly contributed to her entrepreneurial success. She further expanded her public profile with the reality television show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, showcasing her personal and professional life.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1989: Closing the Chanel Haute Couture Show

In 1989, Kimora Lee Simmons closed the Chanel haute couture show as "The Bride."

1992: Foundation of Phat Farm

In 1992, Russell Simmons founded Phat Farm, which would later be related to the launch of Baby Phat in 1999 by Kimora Lee Simmons.

1998: Hosting One World Music Beat

In 1998, Kimora Lee Simmons became one of the three hosts on the music and pop-culture weekly TV series, One World Music Beat.

September 15, 1999: Baby Phat's First Fashion Show

On September 15, 1999, Baby Phat debuted its first fashion show at New York Fashion Week, held at Radio City Music Hall and streamed live to Times Square.

1999: Launch of Baby Phat

In 1999, Kimora Lee Simmons launched Baby Phat as a women's wear off-shoot of Phat Farm, which Russell Simmons had founded in 1992.

2000: Lil' Kim Walked the Baby Phat Runway

In 2000, Lil' Kim walked the Baby Phat runway, contributing to the brand's presence during New York Fashion Week.

2001: End of One World Music Beat

In 2001, Kimora Lee Simmons concluded her run as one of the three hosts on the music and pop-culture weekly TV series, One World Music Beat.

2003: Judge on America's Next Top Model

In 2003, Kimora Lee Simmons appeared alongside Tyra Banks as a judge on season one of America's Next Top Model.

2006: Joined Got Milk? Campaign

In 2006, Kimora Lee Simmons joined the Got Milk? campaign, appearing with a milk mustache.

2006: Publication of Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It

In 2006, Kimora Lee Simmons' book, "Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It", was published by Harper Entertainment and received favorable reviews.

2007: Starring in Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

In 2007, Kimora Lee Simmons ventured into reality television, starring in "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" alongside her family.

February 2008: Release of Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie Doll

In February 2008, Mattel released the Kimora Lee Simmons Barbie Doll, embodying the brand identity cultivated by Simmons.

2008: Support for PETA's Be an Angel to Dogs Campaign

In 2008, Kimora Lee Simmons lent her voice and image to PETA in support of the organization's Be an Angel to Dogs campaign. She also donated $20,000 to PETA's Angel for Animals Project.

2009: Producing Episodes of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

From 2009-2010, Kimora produced and executive produced episodes of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

2010: Producing Episodes of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

From 2009-2010, Kimora produced and executive produced episodes of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

2010: Parting Ways with Phat Fashions

In 2010, Kimora Lee Simmons parted ways with Phat Fashions and its parent company, Kellwood.

2011: End of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane

In 2011, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane aired its final episode.

2013: Debut of Kimora: House of Fab

In 2013, The Style Network debuted Kimora: House of Fab, which focused on Kimora's professional life as the Creative Director of JustFab.

2014: Establishment of Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund

In 2014, Kimora Lee Simmons established the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund at FIT with a personal donation of one million dollars to aid students from underserved communities.

2015: Acquisition of Celsius

In 2015, Kimora Lee Simmons acquired Celsius, a "clean energy" negative calorie drink, as part of her investment portfolio.

2015: Departure from JustFab

In 2015, Kimora Lee Simmons announced her departure from her role as President and Creative Director of JustFab.

2015: Debut of KLS by Kimora Lee Simmons

In 2015, Kimora Lee Simmons' new fashion label, KLS by Kimora Lee Simmons, debuted its first collection during the pre-fall season.

2017: Relief Efforts After Hurricane Harvey

In 2017, Kimora Lee Simmons and her family traveled to Texas with The Unmentionables to help with relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

September 2018: Partnership with UN Women and GICC

In September 2018, Kimora Lee Simmons partnered with UN Women and GICC to help launch their Gender Innovation Principles and She Innovates calls to action.

2018: Humanitarian Work for Refugees

As of 2018, Kimora Lee Simmons has done humanitarian work in support of refugees and in-crisis migrant women and children, working as a Lead Global Ambassador for The Unmentionables.

March 8, 2019: Announcement of Baby Phat Reacquisition

On March 8, 2019, International Women's Day, Kimora Lee Simmons announced the reacquisition and forthcoming return of Baby Phat at the launch of the She Innovates initiative.

2019: Co-launch of Pellequr

In the spring of 2019, Kimora Lee Simmons co-launched Pellequr, a Beverly Hills spa with a novel take on the traditional Korean spa.

2019: Baby Phat Relaunch and New Collection Debut

In the summer and fall of 2019, Baby Phat relaunched and debuted a new signature collection, targeting millennials at the mid-tier retail level.

2021: Partnership with Smile Train for #AllSmilesAreBeautiful Campaign

In 2021, Kimora Lee Simmons and Baby Phat partnered with Smile Train in the #AllSmilesAreBeautiful campaign to design and produce an exclusive limited edition All Smiles Are Beautiful t-shirt.

August 2022: Back-to-School Giveaway with Family Dollar and Crayola

In August 2022, Kimora Lee Simmons, Baby Phat, and Phat Farm partnered with Family Dollar and Crayola to host a back-to-school giveaway benefiting families facing financial hardship in the Los Angeles area.