Kimora Lee Simmons Recalls Modeling Gig With Naomi Campbell

Kimora Lee Simmons strutted down the runways as one of the industry’s top models in the ‘90s — but it wasn’t always a glamorous affair.

“I remember when I flew into Milan for a shoot with Naomi Campbell,” Simmons, 50, recalls exclusively in her 25 Things You Don’t Know About Me feature in the latest issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now. “They rushed us from the plane straight to the shoot. Naomi said, ‘Kimora, don’t let them do this to us. We haven’t even had a chance to change our pahn-ties.’”

After dominating the fashion industry for years, Simmons starred in the Style Network’s Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane from 2007 to 2013. Now, the mother of five is returning to reality television with her new show, Kimora: Back in Fab Lane, which will premiere on E! in December.

“I hope Kimora: Back in Fab Lane shows my fans how I’m evolving just like every other woman,” Simmons told Us about her show. “We have updates, revisions, new eras and stages. Your story is never really finished.”

Aoki Lee Simmons on Modeling, Kimora’s Advice and the ‘Surprise’ of Life

Keep scrolling for more personal stories from Simmons, including the fashion designer who was the most nerve-wracking to walk for:

1. I have a soft spot for Red Lobster. There’s a lot of nostalgia there for me. Midwest, stand up!
2. I hope Kimora: Back in Fab Lane shows my fans how I’m evolving just like every other woman. We have updates, revisions, new eras and stages.
3. I’m really good at using Post-its. In my room, my closet, throughout my house — it’s Post-it mania!
4. My first car was a BMW 335. It was black with peanut butter interior. When I bought it, I felt like life was smooth like peanut butter.
5. The most starstruck moment I’ve ever had was probably meeting Elton John or Diana Ross. Both icons who elevated their forms!
6. The movie I could watch for the rest of my life is Boomerang or The Way We Were.
7. Bob Mackie was the most nerve-wracking designer to walk for. I was triple booked and showed up late. Wow, he was not pleased! But we’re fine now.
8. Richard Gere or Sean Connery was my celebrity crush growing up. There we go again with that “smooth” motif.

   Kimora Lee Simmons’ Daughter Aoki Told She’s ‘Not Pretty Enough’ to Model

9. If I wasn’t a model, I’d most certainly be an attorney or a doctor. That didn’t happen, so I try to foist it on any of my five kids. To my kids, if you’re reading this: You can draw straws or volunteer, but we will have a JD or an MD in this family!
10. My advice for models is keep a strong inner monologue. People will have a dialogue about how you look, walk, talk, behave. Have your own feedback loop as an antidote to outside opinions.
11. My favorite place to vacation is St. Barths.
12. The proudest moment of my career was when I closed out the Chanel Haute Couture show as “the bride” in 1989. The youngest ever! I was over the moon. And very nervous!
13. The famous person in my phone book who makes me smile whenever I scroll past his name is Richard Branson.
14. I’m from St. Louis, which was the headquarters for Purina Mills. My first-ever job, I modeled in a local ad for a puppy chow. I remember wanting to take the dog home instead of the paycheck.
15. I remember when I flew into Milan for a shoot with Naomi Campbell. They rushed us from the plane straight to the shoot. Kimora, don’t let them do this to us. We haven’t even had a chance to change our pahn-ties.
16. I looked up to my mom growing up. And Elizabeth Taylor because she was such a philanthropist. Also: the jewels!
17. What I love most about being a mom of five is that all my kids are all different ages. It adds texture to parenting. I now have a house full of boys — that’s wild stuff. I love it.
    

    

18. I don’t watch television. I don’t mean to be “above it all.” It’s just that I can never focus. I get distracted too easily.
19. I’ve done most of the things on my bucket list. It’s time to add items to the list. Any suggestions?
20. I go to Pellequr, a spa I own in Beverly Hills, to unwind after a hectic day. The Korean scrubs take me away. I’ve also been known to “hide” in my car for a little bit before I go into the house. Sometimes we need a minute.
21. My favorite Baby Phat memory is filling up Radio City Music Hall for the first ever fashion show and broadcasting a runway show live from the jumbotron in Times Square.
22. I can’t leave the house without dark shades, Baby Phat lip gloss, and a smile.
23. This time of year, my go-to skincare is the Summer Time serum by CODAGE Paris. It is a game-changer!
24. When I was young, I wrote myself a check for a million dollars. Years later, I cashed it. Everyone should try manifestation — it costs you nothing, and what if it pays off?
25. I hope I’ve taught my daughters Ming and Aoki a sense of independence and ferocity when it comes to pursuing your passions.