Aoki Lee Simmons, 21, is in a budding romance with Vittorio Assaf, 65, the founder of Serafina Restaurant Group.
“Aoki and Vittorio are spending time together and enjoying each others’ company,” a source close to Aoki tells, adding that the couple met while vacationing in St. Barths, a favorite Simmons’ family travel destination.
Aoki, born to model and mogul Kimora Lee Simmons, 48, and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, 66, is carving her path in the fashion world, mirroring her mother’s success.
From her early years, she has been a face for her family’s Baby Phat line and Just Fab. In 2021, Aoki marked her runway debut for Pyer Moss Paris Couture.
Her presence has adorned the covers of Teen Vogue, Rollacoaster, and Flaunt, while also earning features in renowned publications like Vogue, Huffington Post, The Cut, Essence, and Complex.
Aoki has collaborated with esteemed fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Monse, Lacoste, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade. Her versatility has led her to be chosen as the face of BCBG’s latest campaign, “BCBG New York,” announced on April 3, 2024.
“Embodying BCBG New York’s essence of modern femininity and the harmony of day-to-night style, Aoki showcases the captivating duality of her lifestyle of fashion and post-graduate life, bringing a unique blend of elegance and intellect to the visuals,” the brand shared in a statement.
Besides her burgeoning modeling career, Aoki accomplished graduating from Harvard University at just 20 years old. To honor this milestone, as well as her 21st birthday and debut in Teen Vogue, her mother Kimora hosted an extravagant celebration at Soho Grand’s Club Room in New York City. Ming, Kimora and Russell’s eldest daughter, now 24, joined in the festivities.
Aoki encountered unjust criticism for balancing modeling with her studies at Harvard, which she courageously addressed.
In August 2022, a fan commented on one of her TikTok videos, asking,
“You’re so articulate and obviously educated… how come u chose modeling?”
The model responded with a video message saying,
“Well, one, models aren’t uneducated and not articulate, but two, I think what you’re really getting at is, ‘Why am I going into a field that doesn’t necessarily require a degree or require a whole lot of book smarts when I have a lot of education?’
Well, one, because I love it, and I think we should normalize liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at.”
She added,
“I really want us to move towards a future where young women aren’t being asked this question. Like, not being asked, ‘Why did you follow your more creative passion even though you’re smart?'”
“I would like to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks or enjoy a creative, beauty- [and] fashion-based career,” Aoki continued. “You can be two kinds of people in one person.”
