Guide Note

Kimora Lee is a model, author and occasional actress. She was born on May 4, 1975 in St. Louis, Missouri. Lee is of Japanese, Korean, and African American descent. Lee started taking modeling classes at the age of 11. Shortly after, she was signed by Irene Marie Models. At the age of 13, she was discovered by Paris Agency Glamour through a Model Search in St. Louis and was sent to model in Paris. Just after her 14th birthday, Lee signed a modeling contract with Chanel. Lee married record producer Russell Simmons on December 20, 1998. The couple separated in March of 2006. Lee filed for a divorce in March of 2008. Lee and Simmons have two daughters together, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. Lee began dating actor Djimon Hounsou in March of 2007. It has recently been rumored that Lee is pregnant with Hounsou's child.

Fast Facts:

1. Model and actress
2. Born: May 4, 1975
3. Birthname: Kimora Lee Perkins
4. Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
5. Grew up in St. Louis
6. Awarded modeling contract with Chanel at the age of 13
7. Grew to 6 feet tall at the age of 14
8. Arrested in 2004 for possession of marijuana
9. Best friend is Tyra Banks

Lee is the head of design for the clothing line Baby Phat. Both of her daughters are models for the Baby Phat kids collection. In 2004, Lee sold her company to Kellwood Company for $140 million. She stepped down as CEO in September of 2007 and was promoted to President and Creative Director.

Lee has a reality television show on the Style Network called Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane. The show premiered on August 5, 2007. The show focuses on Lee's life and relationship with her two daughters. Season two of the show aired on April 20, 2008.