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Aoki Lee Simmons Quits Modeling After Breakup With ‘Sugar Daddy’, 65, and Comparisons to Mom Kimora

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Following your dreams can sometimes be a difficult feat, even for nepo kids.

It should be admitted that Aoki Lee Simmons has had a difficult time within the modeling industry, similar to her mother Kimora Lee Simmons once did.

The 22-year-old took to social media to share her sadness, claiming that senior people within the industry criticize her for her appearance.

Aoki Lee Simmons is making changes to her profession, months after a public breakup and leaving her modeling profession behind. (Photo: @aokileesimmons/Instagram)

In a video she reposted along with her social media followers on October 11, Aoki said: “I like modeling, but it surely’s hard to go somewhere and consistently be told, ‘No, no, no, you are not pretty enough, you are not pretty enough.

The youngest daughter of music mogul Russell Simmons made history as considered one of the youngest black women to graduate from Harvard University, which she began on the age of 16. She claims that she’s going to “soon end her modeling career” and put her diploma into practice.

“I get a job in the sector I’m studying. But you recognize, so long as I’m here, I should do my best,” Aoki added.

Trying to get followers to understand her thought process, she further explained, “If I am going to an audition that my mom all the time went to and it just seems like one big, big, constant comparison. … I understand that my mother will all the time be a significantly better model than me. But sometimes these comparisons are only annoying.

“‘It should be an amazing feeling to go to an audition your mom went to,’ and I said, ‘No, it isn’t true. It’s terrible, because whenever you don’t understand it, you’re feeling much more like…” she stopped before finishing. “I think I’ll eventually go back to working in government, that’s what my degree is all about. But as long as I’m here, I’ll give it my all, OK.”

It’s unclear what social media app Aoki used to chat along with her followers, but someone apparently suggested she hire a coach to help her land more gigs.

However, she rejected the offer, saying: “I do not need a coach, I’m model. I do know this sounds presumptuous, but it surely’s not. I worked really hard on this. It’s only a difficult industry. For example, there are lots of beautiful, great girls, great models, who do not have a job.

But Aoki already has certain plans for the longer term. She said: “I’m taking the Foreign Service exam to get back into diplomacy, that is what my degree is all about. You should finish strong and with respect for the job and the industry during which you’ve chosen to work. So I’ll finish strong,” she later claims, something her mother all the time taught her.

Aoki also updated fans in regards to the concert with Victoria’s Secret she went to before the 2024 fashion show in New York, which is able to happen on October 15.

“I won’t be doing the Victoria Secret walk this yr, no. Maybe I wanted to, but I didn’t understand. But I’m completely happy for everybody who did it,” she noted.

Aoki’s dramatic profession change comes months after she complained about having to discover a job. She moved to her first apartment in New York, which she furnished mainly herself, after breaking up with the 65-year-old founding father of Serafina Restaurant Group, Vittorio Assaf.

The two made headlines after they were spotted kissing in photos that went viral on a beach in Saint Barthélemy in April.

Fans immediately began comparing the age difference between her mother and her father, Russell Simmons, whom Aoki had previously warned would wish a “sugar daddy” if he didn’t raise her allowance.

Aoki suggested that her parents were concerned about her relationship with Assaf, who was 44 years her senior. A couple of weeks after the criticism, she stated in an Instagram Live video that “I don’t have a boyfriend” before turning off her comments.

Her mother Kimora began modeling across the age of 13, and shortly thereafter signed a contract with Chanel and worked under renowned German designer Karl Lagerfield. In 1998, Kimora married a former Def Jam executive.

According to Russell, he met Kimora when she was 17, and they began dating her when she was 18, when he was around 30. After greeting one another, Ming and Aoki divorced in 2006.

Kimora can be well-known for launching the long-lasting fashion brand Baby Phat, sister brand to Russell’s Phat Farm. The launch took place in 1999, before she and Russell sold the brand to Kellwood Co. in 2004

This can be not the primary time Aoki has admitted that she is teased for her appearance. Already on the age of 15, she wrote, amongst others: long message on IG revealing that she decided to post her face more often as her insecurities grew after repeatedly hearing that her appearance was not as favorable as that of her mother and Ming Lee Simmons, her older sister.

She wrote: “I used to be very picky about photos and didn’t really show my face and often didn’t post photos of cool events or important moments because I didn’t like my smile or I was standing next to my beautiful sister. It’s easy to get insecure when your sister and mom are models.”

Aoki continued, “I dealt with a lot of negative reactions on Instagram, with comments saying I wasn’t as pretty as my older sister (who is the best, by the way). We all want to look good in photos, but I’ve tried to let it go and post photos of me looking happy or actually having fun. I try not to worry about who I’m standing next to and just share the good times with you.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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