Aoki Lee Simmons, the 22-year-old offspring of fabulousness personified a.k.a. Kimora Lee Simmons, has decided she’s had enough of the glitzy runway life. After a whirlwind stint of high heels, fashion shoots, and that awkward thing where you have to keep a straight face in a dress made entirely of feathers, Aoki is officially hanging up her stilettos.
The former model and Howard University graduate (yep, brains and beauty – some people really do collect all the Infinity Stones) majored in international relations. Now, she’s making a career pivot that screams, “I’ve had enough of being told my cheekbones aren’t doing the most.”
In a TMZ video, Aoki spilled the tea on why she’s saying farewell to the fashion biz, and boy, did she keep it real.
“Nope, Not Today!” – Aoki’s Modeling Woes
Apparently, the industry kept handing out denials like cheap Halloween candy. “No, no, no! You’re not pretty enough!” she shared, imitating the rejections she faced. (Side note: If Aoki’s not pretty enough, what hope do the rest of us have?! Asking for a friend.)
“It’s rough,” she confessed. “It feels like every casting call was just a ‘Who Wore Kimora Better?’ contest.” Honestly, that sounds exhausting. Imagine constantly being told, “Well, your mom’s cheekbones are still undefeated, but you did try, sweetie.” Yikes.
Bye, Catwalk. Hello, Politics?
After weighing her options between posing for luxury brands or tackling international diplomacy, Aoki is leaning toward the latter. “I think I’m going back to working in government,” she said, probably realizing that negotiating peace treaties might be less brutal than surviving fashion week.
“I mean, I’m a good model,” she clarified, “and no, that’s not me being conceited – just honest. I worked hard. But this industry is wild. So many beautiful, talented girls out there without gigs.” Translation: Modeling is like The Hunger Games, except with more contouring and fewer weapons.
Wrapping It Up with Style
In true Simmons fashion, Aoki plans to exit the runway world gracefully. She mentioned learning from her mom the importance of bowing out “with respect.” (Kimora really raised her right – not storming out, but walking away like a queen with her edges perfectly intact.)
What’s next? Likely some international diplomacy or, who knows, maybe a stint at the UN. Whatever it is, Aoki’s got brains, beauty, and the kind of life experience that comes from dodging weird runway costumes. We love to see it.
Good luck, Aoki! May your next career involve fewer comparison charts and more PTO.