Childhood and Education Journey of Kimora Lee Simmons in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Kimora Lee Simmons, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

May 4, 1975: Kimora Lee Simmons' Birth

On May 4, 1975, Kimora Lee Simmons (née Perkins) was born. She would later become an American businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality, and former fashion model.

Others born on this day/year

December 1998: Marriage to Russell Simmons

In December 1998, Kimora Perkins married Russell Simmons.

May 2009: Birth of Son with Djimon Hounsou

In May 2009, Kimora Lee Simmons gave birth to her first son with actor and model Djimon Hounsou.

2009: Divorce from Russell Simmons

Kimora and Russell Simmons divorced in 2009 after having two daughters together.

February 2014: Marriage to Tim Leissner

In February 2014, it was reported that Kimora Lee Simmons had married investment banker Tim Leissner.

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.

April 2015: Birth of Son with Tim Leissner

In April 2015, Kimora Lee Simmons and Tim Leissner had a son.

2015: Acquisition of Celsius

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

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.

2017: Simmons Returns to School

In 2017, Kimora Lee Simmons returned to school.

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.

2018: Graduation from the University of Hartford

In 2018, Kimora Lee Simmons graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Entrepreneurial Affairs from the University of Hartford's Barney School of Business in Hartford, Connecticut.

2018: Leissner Pleads Guilty in 1MDB Scandal

In 2018, Tim Leissner pleaded guilty in the 1MDB scandal and admitted to being a double bigamist, having been married to two women, including Kimora, at the same time.

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.

2020: Adoption of a Son

In 2020, Kimora Lee Simmons adopted a son, making her a mother of five children.

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.

February 2022: Estrangement from Tim Leissner

In February 2022, it was revealed that Kimora Lee Simmons and Tim Leissner were estranged from each other.

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.

2023: Lawsuit Against Tim Leissner

In 2023, Kimora Lee Simmons filed a lawsuit against Tim Leissner claiming that "shares worth about US$93 million that he was ordered to forfeit as part of his 1MDB guilty plea actually belong to her".