Aoki Lee Simmons, daughter of model and mogul Kimora Lee Simmons and entrepreneur Russell Simmons, was spotted on a romantic trip to St. Barts with 64-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, packing on PDA on a beautiful beach in the Caribbean. The couple was seen kissing and enjoying each other’s company, with Assaf taking photos of Aoki as she posed in the sand before they took a dip in the ocean together. The relationship was confirmed by a source to People magazine, but Aoki conveniently left her new beau out of the photos she shared from the trip on Instagram.
Aoki, who recently attended her first Milan Fashion Week in February, began modeling at a young age through her mother’s brands, Baby Phat and Just Fab, but only focused on her career full-time after graduating from Harvard University in June 2023 at the age of 20. She has since relocated to New York City and has been open about her life path, receiving support from fans and followers for pursuing her creative passion in modeling. Aoki responded to a fan on TikTok who questioned why she chose modeling despite her education, emphasizing the importance of normalizing the idea of liking something even if it doesn’t require a formal degree or book smarts.
During her response on TikTok, Aoki expressed her hope that women won’t be questioned in the future for following their creative passions despite being intelligent. She challenged the notion that one can’t be smart and enjoy a career in beauty, fashion, or modeling, advocating for the idea that individuals can embody different aspects of themselves. Aoki shared her perspective on the intersection of intelligence, beauty, and creativity, pointing out the importance of breaking stereotypes and embracing different facets of one’s personality and interests.
Aoki’s romance with Assaf marks a new chapter in her life following her graduation, as she continues to pursue her modeling career and explore new opportunities in the fashion industry. The couple’s tropical getaway in St. Barts showcased their bond and affection for each other, with Aoki sharing glimpses of their trip on social media but keeping her partner out of the spotlight. As a member of a prominent family in the fashion and entertainment world, Aoki has shown resilience and determination in carving out her own path in the industry while balancing her academic achievements and personal interests.
With her modeling career gaining momentum and her relationship with Assaf blossoming, Aoki appears to be navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with her transition from student to working professional. Her experiences at Milan Fashion Week and her candid interactions with fans on social media demonstrate her authenticity and commitment to empowering women to pursue their passions and break stereotypes. Aoki’s journey serves as a testament to the importance of self-expression, creativity, and embracing one’s unique identity, inspiring others to follow their dreams and advocate for change in the fashion industry.