Aoki Lee Simmons quits modeling after calling herself ‘Not good enough’

for Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 14, 2024

Simmons shared that the “big fat comparison” to her mom makes her feel like she’ll never be good enough.

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Aoki Lee Simmons is breaking through with her budding modeling career. Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons’ daughter says she’s quitting because of unfair comparisons to her supermodel mom.

The 22-year-old socialite took to Instagram to vent her frustrations with the “tough” industry. In the clips, she details how tired she is of being considered not pretty enough for the profession. Long live Bitez reshared images of Simmons venting.

“I think I’ll probably be done with modeling soon,” the Harvard alum explained. “I love modelling, but it’s hard to go somewhere and be told over and over (again) ‘No, no, no, you’re not pretty enough’, that’s not a fun time… it’s a tough industry.”

Simmons then shared that the “big fat comparison” with her mom makes her feel like she’ll never be good enough. The elder Simmons, who often modeled for Chanel, also appeared on the cover of Vogue and walked for Valentino and Fendi.

“If I go to a casting my mom always had… It feels like a huge comparison all the time,” the model said. “Like, okay (I’m) not that good. I get that. My mom will always be a much better model than me. But sometimes it’s annoying to have that comparison.”

Simmons also revealed that she will not be walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Although the rejection dampened his spirits, he was reminded that his degree in international relations could still come in handy.

With his Ivy League degree in tow, he told his followers he hoped to land a government job. He is currently planning to take the foreign service test in his potential career pivot.

On his mother’s advice, Simmons will still finish what he started, albeit ahead of schedule.

“My mom always taught that if you’re going to quit something … you should finish strong,” she said of her mother’s perspective.

The model added: “While I’m here I’ll do the best I can… I hope I don’t sound like a whiner.”

Additionally, Simmons has made headlines outside of Fashion Week for her online struggles with her Bali-restricted father and coming-of-age romances. Despite these controversies, Simmons remains focused on making a name for herself, even if she’s not in fashion.