Meet Kimora Lee Simmons

In the Presence of the Queen of Fabulosity: Kimora Lee Simmons

She’s just as glamorous and larger than life in person as she is on T.V. As soon as the gorgeous, leggy former supermodel and businesswoman, Kimora Lee Simmons, stormed the backstage wings of Custo Barcelona’s spring 2011 show, everyone became enthralled with her very presence; including me.

Dressed to kill in a fitted purple and black jumper, adorned with a colorful, eclectic animal print wrap designed by Custo Barcelona–as Kimora put it, ‘a fabulously faux fur coat,’ Kimora’s style was impeccable. Not a single strand of hair was out of place, but more importantly, she knew how to command a room.

I gazed up at the beautiful and resilient fashionista, as she towered over me even in my 6 inch stilettos, and right away, I knew like I was in the presence of greatness. Infectiously delightful, humors and candid, Kimora Lee Simmons dished on her obsessions, the end of Baby Phat, and even revealed the key to a woman’s success, and relinquishing her inner fabulosity.

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You are the Queen of Fabulosity, a true curator of fashion, but what is something we would never find in your closet?

What would you never find in my closet? Well, I am not so sure! (Laughs) I have a pretty big closet. . .  (Pauses) I would say wedges, but that’s not quite true, because I just bought a great pair of boots from Chanel that are wedges. So probably. . . grungy things.

What are you obsessed with right now?

My kids! My husband! (Laughs) Well, as I am sure you know, I have a new baby, Kenzo Lee; he’s one! (Laughs) What else am I obsessed with? I can’t say clothes, because I have enough!

I know that you recently publicly announced that you are no longer a part of Baby Phat, the fashion empire that you and your ex-husband, Russell Simmons, founded 14 years ago, as of September 1^st. What happened with Baby Phat, Kimora?

To be honest, I don’t know . . . (pauses) I really don’t know. . .it was all so unexpected, and it saddens me. As you know, Russell and I sold the company years ago, and when people take over; they do what they want, so sadly I have to move on. Fashion is what I do, and I will continue. I still have KLS, and I am working on a collection for the Home Shopping Network, Fabulosity is still underway, as well as Kouture by Kimora, and Hello Kitty. I am also working on another follow up book to Fabulosity. I appreciate everyone that has been with me from the very beginning, and we won’t stop.

I admire your business savvy, and your ability to empower women to go hard for their dreams. You are a great inspiration to me.

Thank you, that means a lot to me. This is why I do what I do, to inspire others to aspire to be great. When people are around me, it’s almost like I inspire them to be better. It’s like my ambition becomes contagious.

What words would you impart to women who want to be successful entrepreneurs such as yourself?

Know the in’s and out’s of your business and listen to your gut. Embrace who you are and your inner fabulosity. For us, it’s so simple; there is nothing a woman can’t do if she puts her mind to it; we are infallible, unshakeable beings.

Our Editor at Large, Eboyne Jackson and Kimora Lee Simmons

Photos by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images North America