Savvy businesswoman, author, philanthropist, producer, top model, television personality, Tony Award winner and — according to Forbes Magazine — Kimora Lee Simmons is one of the top “hardest working mothers in Hollywood.” Her vivacious personality and stunning beauty are familiar around the world, but these attributes only scratch the surface of one of the most dynamic and influential businesswomen in fashion and entertainment. Kimora Lee Simmons has accomplished what many may not accomplish in a lifetime.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kimora stood out in the crowd. By age 10 she was already 5’10, towering above her classmates. To build her confidence her mother enrolled her in modeling classes. At age 13, her unique exotic mix of Asian and African-American beauty captured the attention of agents at a Midwest model search. She was soon whisked away to Paris and quickly earned an exclusive contract with the House of Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld declared her his “muse” and deemed her the “Face of the 21st Century.” Kimora has graced the covers and pages of international fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also modeled for some of the world’s most legendary designers including Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Yves Saint Laurent in addition to posing for iconic fashion photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier, Peter Lindberg and Annie Leibovitz.

In 1999, Kimora launched the phenomenon known as Baby Phat with then-husband Russell Simmons – the President and Founder of Phat Fashions – as the counterpart to Phat Farm, his pioneering mens urban fashion brand.

As the face of the brand and the visionary behind it, Kimora was the driving force behind Baby Phat and worked tirelessly to establish it as a premier metropolitan collection. When the brand first hit the scene, it was with tiny tees cleverly named Baby Phat (an acronym for “pretty, hot and tempting”) that were produced to electrify a Phat Farm runway show. When celebrities, supermodels and arbiters of style began wearing the baby tees, the phenomenon grew, and Kimora launched an entire Baby Phat sportswear collection. A lifestyle brand was born and expanded into over 20 product categories globally ranging from fragrance, jewelry, footwear and kids apparel to outerwear, handbags and intimates. During this time, Kimora also launched junior brands Kouture by Kimora and Fabulosity.

In 2010, Kimora parted ways with Baby Phat and began focusing her full attention on her KLS Collection, a line of chic and contemporary sportswear designed for the woman who has evolved alongside Kimora over the last 10 years. Building on her already stellar design career, Kimora established The KLS Design Group as a springboard company for fashion and beauty incubation. In Spring 2011, KLS Design Group — through a unique partnership with renowned Swiss skincare company Makari De Suisse — is set to launch Shinto Clinical, a credible, clinically proven and groundbreaking line of skincare made with many antioxidants and inspired by centuries old Asian beauty regimens.

Showcasing her life as a businesswoman who continually strives to balance her family life, Kimora is the star of The Style Network’s top-rated show “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane,” also syndicated on E! Television Network and viewed in more than 200 countries. Kimora has appeared as a judge on both the German and U.S. versions of “America’s Next Top Model,” with friends Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks. She has also co-hosted a daily syndicated talk show called “Life & Style”. She has produced numerous television specials and shows including Def Poetry Jam, for which she won a Tony Award in 2003. Her book “Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It” garnered rave reviews from respected publications such as the Washington Post and Boston Globe. The book empowers women to cultivate their inner goddess with independence, fearlessness, and confidence. Kimora has also made numerous appearances as a correspondent for E! Television network’s red carpet coverage of the “Primetime Emmy Awards” and “Fashion Police”, as well as on MTV and VH-1.

Home and family are essential to Kimora Lee Simmons. Her daughters Aoki Lee, 8, and Ming Lee Simmons, 11 — with former husband media mogul Russell Simmons — are firmly established as savvy fashion entrepreneurs in the making. Son Kenzo Lee Hounsou — with husband and three-time Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou — at almost 2 years old, is sure to continue to inspire Kimora’s creativity.

An enthusiastic philanthropist, advocate for women’s empowerment issues and patron of the arts, Kimora donates her time and support to numerous charitable organizations, especially institutions targeting disadvantaged such as “Dress for Success”, PETA and the Make A Wish Foundation. The Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund, established at her alma mater in St. Louis, provides college tuition support for academically successful girls with demonstrated financial needs. She is also an active member of major youth advocacy organizations including AMFAR, The G&P Foundation, Keep a Child Alive and the Harvey Milk School at the Hetrick-Martin Institute at which she serves on the board of directors.

To Follow Kimora:
Twitter: @OfficialKimora Facebook: Official Kimora Web: KLS.com