Kimora Lee Simmons is stepping back into the spotlight with a brand-new reality series, Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, marking her highly anticipated return to television after nearly 15 years. The model, designer, and mother of five tells PEOPLE the show represents her “chapter two” — a fresh era filled with glamour, growth, and the organized chaos that has defined her life.
The new E! series revives the energy of her original hit program Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, which aired from 2007 to 2011. This time, cameras follow Simmons as she balances motherhood, business expansion, and personal reinvention.
A Glamorous, Emotional, and Very Real “Chapter Two”
“It’s like a chapter two of life,” Simmons, 50, says. “Things go in a cycle — it’s not just cliché. I’m living it.”
The show provides intimate access to her busy household. Simmons is a single mom to six children:
Ming Lee, 25
Aoki Lee, 23
Kenzo Lee, 16
Gary Lee, 16 (adopted in 2020)
Wolfe Lee, 10
And “bonus son” Jayden, 19, who has lived with the family since fourth grade.
With kids learning to drive, starting modeling careers, and forming their own identities, Simmons says viewers can expect plenty of coming-of-age moments — all wrapped in her signature lavish lifestyle.
A Fashion Icon Reclaims Her Legacy
Although the final season of her first show documented her departure from Baby Phat in 2010, Simmons took full ownership again in 2019 and relaunched the iconic Y2K fashion label. With early-2000s style back in full force, she proudly sees her influence everywhere.
“I’ll see girls wearing Y2K looks and say, ‘I started that,’” she laughs. Her daughter Ming keeps her grounded: “Mom, you didn’t start everything.”
Still, Simmons played a major role in shaping early-aughts fashion trends, and her impact remains undeniable.
From St. Louis to Chanel Runways
Simmons’ rise began in the Midwest, where she was raised by a single mother. Bullied for her height — she reached 5’8″ at age 10 — she joined modeling classes for confidence. At 13, she caught the attention of Chanel scouts. Soon after, she became a muse of Karl Lagerfeld, closing the 1989 Chanel show as “the Bride.”
She went on to work with top houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Armani, experiences that inspired her to launch Baby Phat in 1999. The brand became one of the most influential fashion labels of the early 2000s, defining an era through accessible luxury.
A Life Lived Independently
Simmons’ romantic history includes relationships with Russell Simmons, Djimon Hounsou, and Tim Leissner. But today, she says she’s happily single and focused on her family and career.
“My life doesn’t ever revolve around a guy, ever,” she says. “A man’s not going to give you everything. It’s important to be independent.”
When and Where to Watch
Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on E!, bringing fans back into the world of one of fashion’s most charismatic personalities.
Melissa McCarthy Debuts Dramatic Transformation During Sixth ‘SNL’ Hosting Gig