Aoki Lee Simmons Quits Modeling After Fighting Comparisons to Her Catwalk Vet Mom Kimora

Aoki Lee Simmons has announced she is likely to quit modeling after enduring criticism about her looks and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother Kimora Lee Simmons.

In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told she is “not pretty enough” to succeed in modeling and often compares herself to her mother.

“I think I’m probably going to be done with modeling soon,” Aoki shared, per TMZ on Sunday.

“I’m tired of being told over and over, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,'” she said. “It feels like a huge comparison all the time. I understand that. My mom will always be a much better role model than me, but sometimes it’s annoying to hear that.”

Aoki described the modeling world as “a tough industry”. Although she plans to “finish strong,” as her mother always advised her, she is already looking beyond the track, aiming for a career in government.

Aoki Lee Simmons has announced that she will likely step away from modeling after enduring criticism of her looks and constant comparisons to her supermodel mother Kimora Lee Simmons; (Aoki photo 202)

In a recent video, the 22-year-old expressed her frustration, revealing that she is often told she is “not pretty enough” to succeed in modeling and often compares herself to her mother; (photo 2023)

“I don’t need a coach, I’m a good role model. It’s just a tough industry,” he said. “I think I’m going to go back to government, because that’s what my career is.”

Aoki’s mother, Kimora, launched her modeling career at age 14, quickly gaining recognition as one of the first black models to achieve significant runway success, walking for top designers such as Chanel and Valentine

In 1998, she married music mogul Russell Simmons and together they welcomed their first daughter, Ming, before Kimora gave birth to their second daughter, Aoki, in 2003.

After their divorce in 2009, Kimora transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding the Baby Phat brand while maintaining a close co-parenting relationship with Russell.

Aoki had previously done so spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com about her modeling gig with BCBG New York.

“My goal is to learn and grow as I navigate my own path through this business, and have a lot of fun doing it,” he said at the time.

When asked how her mother has inspired her, she replied: “Let me count the ways! Honestly, there are so many things I love about her, but if I had to pick one it would be her ability of self-sufficiency.

“She has the confidence that even if she doesn’t know the answer to something right now, she knows how to figure it out. That’s inspiring.’

As for plans to design one day, he said, “Never say never, but maybe not yet.”

“I’m tired of being told over and over again, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough,'” Aoki shared, per TMZ on Sunday. “It feels like a huge comparison all the time. I understand that. My mother will always be a much better role model than me, but it’s annoying to hear that sometimes’; (photo 2023)

Aoki described the modeling world as “a tough industry”. Although she plans to “finish strong”, as her mother always advised her, she is already looking beyond the catwalk, aiming for a career in government; (photo 2022)

Aoki’s modeling exit comes after she split from her boyfriend, restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, 65, earlier this year.

At the time, Kimora expressed her shame regarding Aoki’s brief romance with Vittorio, stressing that the relationship was not serious.

He suggested that Aoki may have been “set up” due to the significant age difference.

“She’s a young, beautiful girl and we don’t think the kissing toads will be broadcast,” he explained to TMZ.

“I personally feel like she was set up, so that’s what I try to (warn) my girls. There’s definitely an age dynamic and I feel like she was set up a little bit,” she added

Russell also chimed in, stating that she would not criticize Aoki’s decisions, while Kimora emphasized her role as a loving mother: “All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”

Snapshots hit the web on April 6 of Aoki and Serafina restaurant group owner Vittorio (left) packing on the PDA in the Caribbean.

After the photos came out, Aoki’s father Russell (seen with Kimora, a toddler Aoki and his sister Ming in 2005) opened up about the pair to TMZ, stating: “I’m not going to kick and scream about their elections”.

He added: “I’m not going to kick and scream about their choices.”

Photos of Aoki and Vittorio appeared online on April 6, but it was soon reported that the relationship was over, with a source confirming: “It’s 100 percent done.”

Additionally, claims that Aoki was materialistic were dismissed by sources close to her, who described her as someone who didn’t care for luxury items and characterized her as “more of a geek”.

Meanwhile, experts noted that Assaf, known for his charm, has a history of dating younger women, suggesting his preferences have not changed as he ages.