Aoki Lee Simmons Relationships, Family, Controversy, Biography

Who is Aoki Lee Simmons?

Aoki Lee Simmons is an American fashion model, Harvard University graduate, and outspoken social commentator who has increasingly stepped into public discourse beyond modeling. The daughter of fashion mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and music legend Russell Simmons, Aoki is trending in late 2025 for her articulate takes on politics, identity, and global humanitarian issues, shared across interviews and social media platforms. She graduated from Harvard at just 20 years old with a degree in philosophy, earning respect not only for her lineage but also for her intellectual independence.

Her commitment to challenging stereotypes, famously stating on TikTok that she wants to change the idea that a woman “can’t be smart and pretty.”

Key Information

Physical Appearance

• Height: 5′11″ (180 cm)
• Weight: Approx. 134 lb (61 kg)
• Eye Colour: Dark brown
• Hair Colour: Naturally dark brown (often styled straight or in loose curls)
• Tattoos: None visible

Early Life & Education

Aoki Lee Simmons was born in New York City into one of America’s most high-profile celebrity families. Raised primarily by her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, Aoki grew up in an environment that blended fashion, business, and public scrutiny.

From an early age, she displayed strong academic abilities and an interest in philosophy and social theory. She enrolled at Harvard University at age 16 and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. In interviews, Aoki has spoken openly about the pressure of growing up publicly while striving to build an identity independent of her parents’ fame.

Career Journey

Aoki Lee Simmons began her professional modeling career while still pursuing her degree at Harvard.

• First Break: Her first solo runway walk was in July 2021 for the Pyer Moss Paris Couture show. She had previously modeled for her family’s Baby Phat line alongside her sister, Ming Lee.
• Career Milestones: She has collaborated with notable brands such as Just Fab, Tommy Hilfiger, and BCBG, and has graced the covers of magazines like Teen Vogue and Flaunt.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Aoki gained significant traction with a 2022 TikTok video where she defended her choice to model while being Harvard-educated, arguing that women should be able to pursue both creative passions and intellectual endeavors.
• Recent Projects (December 2025): Aoki and her family are the stars of the new E! reality series, Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, which premiered in December 2025.
• Future Plans: In the fall of 2024, Aoki mentioned she was “wrapping up” her modeling career and planned to go into politics, which was the focus of her Harvard degree.

Relationships

Aoki Lee Simmons’ personal life has been a major talking point in late 2025 due to new public comments from her mother.

Relationship Controversy (April 2024): Aoki was involved in a brief relationship with 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, founder of the Serafina Restaurant Group, when she was 21 years old. The two were spotted together on vacation in St. Barths. Reports indicated that the fling was short-lived, ending just days after the photos went public.

Trending News (December 2025): The relationship became a major news story in December 2025 after her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, discussed her reaction on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast and the family’s new reality show. Kimora expressed “shock” and stated she found the 44-year age gap “predatorial” but ultimately chose to let her adult daughter make her own mistakes.

Current Status: Aoki is currently single, as the brief relationship with Assaf ended in April 2024.

Health and Wellness: Aoki shared a vulnerable Instagram post on December 4, 2025, about prioritizing her health and well-being, advising young girls, “you gotta eat or the brain don’t brain!” She expressed relief and happiness at being healthy.

Family Background