Kimora Lee Simmons has opened up about individuals’ disapproval of her daughter Aoki’s decision to pursue modeling while attending Harvard University.
The 47-year-old TV personality opened up to People about her daughter, 20, who is following in her footsteps as a model.
The gorgeous star told the publication on Thursday that she’s supportive of her kids and that “it’s important to explore all your passions.”
Mother-daughter duo: Kimora Lee Simmons, 47, defended her 20-year-old daughter Aoki’s decision to become both a Harvard student and model in a recent interview with People; pictured together earlier in May in LA
Discussing her daughter’s passion for modeling, the ‘Life on Fab Lane’ star said: “I love that she’s trying to follow in my footsteps. But I also think it’s a pain because if I had had some of what they have, I might not have become a model.”
“While she’s like, ‘Mom, you should be proud,'” Kimora said, adding that she understands that modeling is an individual’s dream. “It’s like ambitious, that’s what people want to do too.”
“And I just feel like sometimes you don’t want your kids to be in trouble. I think every mother would say that, right?’
Modeling footsteps: The TV personality was pictured with her daughters Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons modeling the star’s Baby Phat collection in NYC last year; pictured in 2021
Despite her daughter’s balance of working in industry and attending an Ivy League university, she expressed that she has great support and belief in Aoki.
“We wish Aoki the best and she knows it. So whether it’s on camera or behind the scenes, it doesn’t take more than that,” the star explained to People.
“And I think she probably saw that with her mother. It doesn’t make you more or less a business person, or more or less a student or student of the world, or more or less a model.’
Inspiration: Speaking about her daughter, the TV star and entrepreneur explained, “I love that she’s trying to follow in my footsteps.”
Taking multiple paths: Aoki pursues two different dreams, including a Harvard degree and professional modeling
Aoki has delved into the modeling industry with a few projects already secured on her resume.
The media influencer has a dedicated following on Instagram and boasts around 716,000 followers. The busy student made her catwalk debut last year in 2021, walking for Pyer Moss Paris Couture.
She has also modeled for her mother’s iconic brand, Baby Phat, which originally launched in 1999 as Phat Fashions.
Aoki defended herself on TikTok when a social media user commented on her decision to model while attending Harvard.
“Well, firstly, models aren’t uneducated and articulate,” she began in her response.
“But secondly, I think what you’re really getting at is, ‘Why do I go into a field that doesn’t necessarily require a degree or requires a whole lot of smart book when I have a lot of education?’
Student Life: After graduating from high school, Aoki was accepted into Harvard University
Aoki then explained why she decided to become a model on the side. “Well, first of all, because I love it and I think we should normalize that we like something. You don’t have to do what you’re good at straight away.”
Towards the end of the video, the hardworking star opened up about following his dreams and passions.
“I want to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or that you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks, or enjoy a creative career based on beauty and fashion. You can be two kinds of people in one person.’
“Nothing is a waste of your talent… if you enjoy it and are happy and living your life. Then the path that led you there was the right one and nothing was wasted,” she concluded.
Family: Kimora was pictured with her five children Aoki, Ming, Kenzo, Gary and Wolfe at the Back To School giveaway event on Thursday
Big supporter: The TV star appears to be a big supporter of her five children; pictured with her daughters Ming and Aoki