Aoki Lee Simmons, Daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons, Decides to Retire from Modeling
Aoki Lee Simmons does not want to live in her mom’s shadow.
The 22-year-old—who is daughter to Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons and sister to Ming Lee Simmons, 24—recently detailed why she is considering leaving the industry.
“I think I’m probably wrapping up modeling soon,” she explained in a recent Instagram Live video, per TMZ. “I’m working on getting a job in my degree field but you know, while I’m still here I should do my best.”
And while Aoki emphasized to her followers that she did not want to come across as “whiny,” she expressed frustration in attempting to fill her mother’s shoes.
“It just feels like one big, fat comparison all the time,” Aoki continued. “‘Okay you’re not as good,’ I get that. My mom is always going to be a way better model than me. But it’s just annoying to have that comparison sometimes.”
Aoki noted that her mother—who started modeling as a teenager, appearing on the cover of Vogue and Elle as well as walking in shows for Valentino and Fendi—was able to secure jobs that she still cannot.