Aoki Lee Simmons, daughter of supermodel Kimora Lee Simmons, has shared her plans to step away from the modeling industry. The 22-year-old Harvard graduate recently revealed in an emotional Instagram Live video that constant comparisons to her mother have made her rethink her future in fashion.
“I think I’m probably wrapping up modeling soon,” Aoki admitted. “I’m getting a job in my degree field, working in government or international relations.” She emphasized that while she has enjoyed modeling, the weight of being compared to her famous mother has been challenging. “It’s hard to go somewhere and get told over and over, ‘You’re not pretty enough.’”
Aoki explained how casting calls that her mother once attended create an uncomfortable sense of comparison. “People think it’s cool that I go to the same castings as my mom, but it’s not,” she said. “When you don’t get the job, it feels like a huge comparison—like, ‘Okay, you’re not as good.’”
Despite her frustrations, Aoki acknowledged that she is a capable model. “I’ve worked really hard at it,” she said. “But it’s a tough industry. There are lots of beautiful girls and great models who still can’t find work.” She also reflected on advice from her mother about finishing strong: “If you leave something, you should finish out strong and with respect to the industry you chose.”
Balancing Act for Aoki Lee Simmons
Although Aoki expressed a deep appreciation for her modeling career, she is eager to pursue a path that aligns with her academic background. The Harvard graduate earned her degree in government and plans to return to the field. “I’m taking the foreign service test so I can get back into international relations,” Aoki explained.
Her decision to leave modeling is bittersweet, as her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, has celebrated Aoki’s success on social media, calling her a “beauty” and applauding her accomplishments. However, Aoki feels the need to step out of her mother’s shadow and forge her own path outside the industry.