Kimora Lee, the fashion entrepreneur and founder of the Baby Phat brand, has legally dropped “Simmons” from her name. Her team confirmed the change in a statement distributed to media outlets Friday.
A decision rooted in ownership and clarity
Kimora Lee said the choice was “intentional” and grounded in business aims.
“Kimora’s decision to change her name legally — back to Kimora Lee — is rooted in a commitment to clarity and ownership,” the statement said.
Her spokesperson said the move will align her legal name with her public brand. The change also follows a period of public disputes and media scrutiny.
Lee rose to fame as a teen model and later launched Baby Phat in 1999. Her fashion line became a defining label in early 2000s street style.
Reports said the decision comes amid legal and reputational matters. A recent story in a New York tabloid was revised after scrutiny, her statement noted.
Her team framed the legal name update as a reset.
“It is about the future of her work and the control of her narrative,” the statement read.
Industry contacts said the move may make future brand deals cleaner. Shorter names can simplify trademarks and marketing, experts said.
What this means for Baby Phat
Kimora Lee still leads operations at Baby Phat and other ventures. She recently returned to reality television. Her series chronicles life as a single mother and entrepreneur.
Her daughters also work with her on business projects. They could be affected by the rebrand in joint ventures and public appearances.