One young model dares to escape the spotlight in the glamorous high fashion world, where appearances are everything. Aoki Lee Simmons, the daughter of legendary supermodel Kimora Lee Simmons, has boldly announced her plans to retire from the industry. She cites the relentless pressures of being told she’s “not pretty enough” and the constant comparisons to her iconic mother.
In a candid video shared with her social media followers, the 22-year-old Harvard graduate laid bare the challenges she has faced in the modeling world. “It’s hard to go somewhere and get told repeatedly ‘No, no, no. You’re not pretty enough. No,'” Aoki lamented, her frustration palpable.
The young model, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps, revealing a natural talent and striking beauty, described the industry as “one big fat comparison all the time.” She acknowledged the obvious: “I get that. My mom is always going to be a way better model than me. But it’s just annoying to have that comparison sometimes.”
Aoki’s decision to step away from the catwalk and pursue a different path, potentially in her degree field of international relations, is a testament to her resilience and self-awareness. “I think I’m gonna end up switching back to working in government,” she shared, her voice tinged with resignation and determination.
The constant comparisons and rejection have taken a toll on Aoki, even as she recognizes her talent and hard work. “I don’t need a coach. I’m a good model. I know that sounds like conceited; it’s not. I worked hard at it. But it’s just… It’s a hard industry. Many beautiful, great girls are great models who don’t have a job.”
The young model’s decision is remarkable, given her family’s deep roots in the fashion industry. Her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, was a groundbreaking model in her own right, gracing the catwalks of prestigious fashion houses like Chanel, Fendi, and Valentino and appearing on the covers of iconic magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.
Aoki’s struggle to carve out her identity in the shadow of her mother’s legacy is a poignant and relatable story for many young people. The desire to forge one’s path, to be seen and valued for one’s own merits, is a universal human experience – and Aoki is bravely embracing that journey.
As she prepares to transition into a new phase of her life, Aoki takes a page from her mother’s playbook, vowing to “finish out with respect” before moving on to the next chapter. This is a testament to her resilience and determination and a reminder that sometimes the bravest path forward is the one that deviates from the well-worn tracks of expectation.
For those who have followed Aoki’s modeling career, her decision to step away may come as a surprise. But in the end, it is a profoundly personal choice that speaks to the challenges and complexities of navigating the intersection of family legacy, personal ambition, and the relentless demands of the fashion industry.
As Aoki embarks on this new chapter, she can do so with the knowledge that she has the unwavering support of her family and the admiration of those who recognize the courage it takes to forge one’s path. The road ahead may be uncertain, but pursuing true fulfillment and self-actualization is worth the risk for Aoki Lee Simmons.