How Aoki Lee-Simmons Gets Ready for NYFW With Tommy Hilfiger
The model and star of Tommy Hilfiger's Spring/Summer 2023 campaign opens up about the excitement of NYFW.
Aoki Lee Simmons is part of a new generation of models. Not only is she following in her mother Kimora Lee Simmons' footsteps, but she's a current Harvard student (graduating in May) and the face of Tommy Hilfiger's Spring/Summer 2023 campaign. While she's been spotted on New York Fashion Week runways this season, she also made time to attend a special Tommy Hilfiger dinner party at The Nines. As she begins her ascent to the top of the modeling world, L'OFFICIEL spoke to Lee Simmons about how she preps for NYFW, balancing school and a career, and her favorite piece she's taken from her mom's closet.
L'OFFICIEL: What's your favorite part of NYFW?
AOKI LEE SIMMONS: This entire week has been a career highlight! I walked for Kim Shui which was exciting because it was my first time opening a show. The Tommy [Hilfiger] dinner party was fun; my bestie Natalia [Bryant] was there. If I had to pick a “favorite” though, maybe it’d be the Sergio Hudson show because it was the first time my mom and sister got to see me on the runway.
L'O: Do you have a morning or nighttime ritual to prepare for a long day of fashion shows?
ALS: I try to practice my runway walk. I don’t have a signature yet but right now I just try to catch a vibe for each show the night before and the day of in between hair and makeup. For the mornings, I like to ice my face.
L'O: What's your favorite thing to do/see when you're in NYC?
ALS: I feel like this answer is super cliche but “WORK!” I’m just super grateful to be able to come here frequently for work, as of late. However, when I’m not working I enjoy spending time in Brooklyn.
L'O: The other night at Sergio Hudson, your mom was in the audience to watch you walk. What's it like to follow in her footsteps? Has she been coaching you?
ALS: Funny...my mom was literally trying to coach me while I walked down the runway during the Sergio show. One time I walked by and she yelled, “ SHOULDERS!” Since I’ve started my career, my mom has given me a lot of helpful advice, but I also appreciate the amount of space she has given me to make my own way. I always laugh at the “Nepo Baby” conversation because it’s not what most people think it is, for me. My mom is not [behind-the-scenes] making calls and pulling strings. She’s allowing me to figure it out.
L'O: What's the best advice your mom has given you?
ALS: "Don’t fall!”
L'O: You're currently a student at Harvard. How do you balance school + your modeling career?
ALS: To be honest, it’s tough being a full-time student at Harvard and a working model. I join classes via Zoom in between shows and shoots. I try to cram studying and homework while waiting in lines at castings. My schedule during NYFW is like “11 am..casting then 2 pm Latin.” I’m looking forward to graduating in May so I don’t have to worry about being mentally in two places at once anymore. After Harvard, I plan to move to NYC and pursue modeling full-time!
L'O: You're part of Tommy Hilfiger's Spring/Summer 2023 campaign, Classics Reborn. What are some of your go-to classics in your closet?
ALS: I have this black leather jacket that has been my go-to. I wear it to the airport, events, class, castings, call times... almost everywhere. If you follow me on social media you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. I also really like this sweater that I was gifted from the Tommy x Miffy collection. It has a cute collegiate vibe to it.
L'O: Is there a "classic" piece that you've taken from your mom's closet and styled as your own? What was it and how did you wear it?
ALS: That black leather jacket I just spoke about? …It was originally my mom’s. I’ve worn it with a pair of jeans and combat boots. I styled it with some Tommy Hilfiger slacks and bustier top when I moderated a panel for EssenseGirl’s United Summit. It goes well with a nice skirt also. Pretty sure it works with just about anything.
