Aoki Lee Simmons, the youngest daughter of fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, is making her mark in the world of fashion, business, and social activism. A recent graduate of Harvard University, Aoki is uniquely positioned to leverage her prestigious education alongside her family’s entrepreneurial legacy. While many might see her as merely the daughter of two influential figures, Aoki is determined to build her own path, blending her Ivy League knowledge with her passions for fashion and social causes.

Background, Education, And More

Born in August 2002, Aoki Lee Kyoko Simmons grew up in a household that valued both entrepreneurship and creativity. Simmons was exposed to the world of fashion and business from a young age – her mother, Kimora, is a supermodel and founder of Baby Phat. Her father Russel, meanwhile, is the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. She began her modeling career early, working with her mother on campaigns for the revived Baby Phat brand. As Baby Phat reentered the fashion scene, Aoki played a crucial role in bringing the brand’s message of female empowerment and inclusivity to a new generation.

Through her work with Baby Phat and other campaigns, like walking in New York Fashion Week, Aoki quickly made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her modeling income, combined with a growing presence on social media, including her 229k TikTok followers, has allowed her to establish a steady financial foundation.

And she’s putting it to good use. Simmons is very active on social media, where she uses her platform to discuss important topics like body positivity, racial justice, and gender equality. She often shares personal insights and engages with her followers on social issues, further solidifying her status as an influential voice within and outside the fashion world. As a result, she has attracted a brand partnership by way of her JustFab shoe collection, contributing to her income and increasing her visibility.

In 2021, she made a haute couture runway debut walking for Pyer Moss, and has modeled for Pottery Barn, Carlton Jones, and Calvin Klein.

Her Harvard Tenure

In addition to her modeling work and social media influence, Simmons is dedicated to using her education to explore new opportunities. Aoki Lee Simmons attended Harvard, enrolling at just 16. She made her time there noteworthy as well, studying computer science while actively pursuing modeling. In 2022, she stood up to professors who she felt weren’t giving her active modeling career the same respect they gave others who worked more ‘traditional’ jobs.

While there, someone on TikTok asked her how and why she was so ‘obviously educated’ but still pursuing modeling. She replied, defending models and her choices. “Well one,” she went on after supporting the idea that models are not uneducated or inarticulate, “because I love it, and I think we should normalize liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at.”

Aoki took a double major, graduating from Harvard at just 20 in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts. She’s one of the youngest Black women to graduate Harvard with a double major.

She is now poised to take on roles that extend beyond modeling and fashion. The academic foundation she gained from Harvard will likely open doors for her in business, social impact, or other entrepreneurial endeavors. Aoki’s pursuit of higher education and her commitment to broadening her career horizons demonstrate that she is much more than just a model — she’s a young woman ready to take on leadership roles in multiple fields.

What Is Aoki Lee Simmons’ Net Worth?

Simmons’ estimated net worth is currently around $1-2 million, a figure that has grown steadily as she continues to build her career. While her family’s wealth and influence undoubtedly provide her with a strong financial foundation, Aoki has worked hard to establish her own independent income streams. Much of her net worth comes from her modeling career, including her work with Baby Phat and various fashion brands.

The potential for Aoki’s net worth to grow is high, especially considering the opportunities available to someone with her unique combination of education, influence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her recent graduation from Harvard University adds further value to her personal brand, as it opens doors for her to pursue business ventures or leadership roles in industries beyond fashion. Aoki’s diverse talents and her ability to navigate both the fashion world and social issues indicate that her career will only continue to expand, which will likely contribute to her wealth in the years to come.

 

Looking Ahead: Aoki’s Expanding Career

In October 2024, Simmons suggested she would be quitting modeling in order to work with the government. She mentioned taking a foreign service test in order to push her career toward international relations in an Instagram Live.

Simmons is not just following the path laid out by her parents — she is creating her own future. As she continues to grow her career in fashion and beyond, she is using her platform to engage with a wide range of audiences and promote causes she cares about. Whether she remains in modeling, ventures into business, or becomes more involved in social activism, Aoki’s net worth will likely rise as she establishes herself in various industries. With a solid foundation built on both family legacy and personal achievement, Simmons is a young entrepreneur to watch in the coming years.