The Queen of Fabulosity

Glamorous Kimora Lee Simmons brings her signature ‘fabulosity’ to Oahu this month to showcase her latest Phat Fashions and introduce her new affordable line, Kouture by Kimora, available exclusively at Macy’s

Wednesday - August 04, 2010
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Family comes first for Kimora, who ends each and every fashion show with a strut down the runway with her children (from left) Aoki Lee Simmons, Kenzo Lee Hounsou and Ming Lee Simmons by her side

fine jewelry line Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty.

That same year, Kimora received the Designer of the Year award at the 29th annual AAFA (American Apparel & Footwear Association) American Image Awards. She also was approached by the Style Network to star in Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, a reality show based on her life as a successful career woman balancing family, fame and and everything in between.

“My life is busy - you do see that on the show - but if you love what you are doing, you find the way to juggle,” she says. “It’s not always easy, but it is so good when it all works out. I am also very lucky to have a great team around me.”

Her core support group is her family: daughters Ming Lee, 10, and Aoki Lee, 7, son Kenzo Lee, 1, and husband Djimon Hounsou, a three-time Academy Award-nominated actor best-known for his roles in Amistad and Blood Diamond.

Surprisingly, for being in the public eye, the Simmons-Hounsou clan is very normal. Kimora says they love to go hiking, swimming and making crafts at home. Another tradition is to have dinner together every night.

“My family always comes first - always,” she says. “I start and end my day with my family.”

She also makes sure that her children know the importance of giving back.

“I have been so lucky in many aspects of my life, it is only right to act in ways that can serve as a benefit for another person. It’s also very important that my kids understand this,” she states. “They are blessed from birth, so they are very good about giving back and helping others.”

The bulk of her volunteer efforts is spent with institutions that target disadvantaged youths. She established the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund at her alma mater in St. Louis to provide college tuition for academically successful girls with financial needs. She also is active with the organizations Amfar, The G&P Foundation, Keep a Child Alive, Hetrick-Martin Institute and Rush Philanthropic, where she serves on the board of directors.

Kimora, who has been modeling for major fashion designers since age 13, still knows how to steal the spotlight

“If you are blessed enough to receive, you must give back,” Kimora says. “The key is to surround yourself with good people and you can get it all accomplished.”

Both her family and Fab Lane filming crew will be accompanying Kimora on her Hawaiian adventure.

“My husband is going off for three months to do a movie, so this is a great vacation for him before he has to leave,” she says. “I want to go to a luau, and I might think about a surfing lesson. The girls will love the leis and hula dancing! We want it all. We want to take Hawaii in and live it.”

The trip will air in winter 2011 as episodes for the fifth season of her hit show, which today airs in more than 200 countries.

Fans can meet their idol in person at a Pre-party Fashion show Aug. 20 starting at 10 p.m. at Paparazzi, and at the After Party following the show Aug. 21 (location to be determined).

“I love Hawaii; it feels like my home,” she gushes. “I look like the people here, they look like me, we are all the same. In fact, I am now working with a cosmetic company and developing a skincare line for hapa. It will be called Makari Gold ... Kimora Gold! We’ll be back when it is ready.”

We’ll be waiting. But until then, what trends does the style maven suggest investing in for fall?

“Blazers are a must item for fall, along with a good pair of great-fitting jeans,” she advises. “I also recommend a show-stopping pair of heels - basics that don’t break the bank, and then you can add your own style.

“But the best tip is to be confident ... Live Fabulosity!”

And to live by Kimora’s fabulous example.

A model search for the Baby Phat and Kouture by Kimora fashion show will be held at 7 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 6, by Vivalicious Productions. Call 699-5094 for details.

The fashion show is from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 21 at Aloha Tower Pier 11. Ticket prices start at $45. For reserved and VIP seating or more information, contact Samantha DeCorte of Big Ben Entertainment at 306-9604.

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