The queen of fabulosity herself. Photo: Handout, Getty Images
StyleList: What made you want to walk in the Red Dress Collection show?
Kimora Lee Simmons: I think it's an exciting and unique idea to bring awareness to heart disease, which is the #1 killer of young women. It's very important for people to come together to support this cause, and also to have the fun of such a great event.
SL: Any hint at what you'll be wearing on the runway on the 11th?
KLS: I'm going to be wearing a dress from my new Kouture by Kimora collection. It's launching exclusively at Macy's around the beginning of March. It's a very sexy, playful, fun line -- and it's very inexpensive. A great little cocktail dress is 35 bucks, just to give you an idea of the price point. I'm wearing a little red strapless number -- of course I embellished it. It has a little shimmer and shine to it for that extra little hint of fabulosity. A version of that exact dress will be available in June as part of the Kouture by Kimora line, with a portion of the proceeds going back to The Red Dress Project.
SL: Do you typically wear a lot of red?
KLS: I do wear a lot of read, and I believe very strongly in the power of color itself. And it's fun to have color -- we always play around with it with Baby Phat, and also the new line I'm launching. We always like to be bold and exciting.
SL: After three kids, is it nerve-wracking to be hitting the catwalk again?
KLS: Oh my gosh, I'm so nervous...I can't believe it! A lot of people have asked me lately, 'how did you get your body back,' and I'm thinking, 'I don't have my body back -- I'm just doing the best I can!' I've always been the type of woman to embrace my curves. We're not all a picture perfect size 2. I'm all about loving what you have and being healthy, which is the message behind the Red Dress Project. [Heart Disease] is extremely preventable on many fronts, by eating right and exercising and not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight -- which doesn't mean you'll be a size 2!
SL: Do you live a very healthy lifestyle?
KLS: I do very well on most of the fronts -- I'm obviously very physically active. I have that whole mogul routine -- that's my exercise: running around all over the place. But I do try to work out in the gym with a trainer. Obviously having had a baby I'm very conscious of my weight, so I try to eat right. It's hard to do when you're stressed and busy working and living life, but it's very necessary.
SL: Do you teach your girls about eating healthy?
KLS: I'm showing them about good carbs, like quinoa and brown rice, as opposed to cupcakes. And a great bowl of oatmeal will start the day as opposed to white toast. I like them to be very aware of their bodies and their own health -- I think that's very important and a lot of time young kids don't really know about their health as much as they should.
SL: Quinoa? Come on. You must cheat sometimes...
KLS: I do have vices, like I got a big bag of Doritos last week -- I don't think that's on the heart healthy list, but I have been a little stressed at work. My vices are a little junk food here and there, and I definitely have a sweet tooth.
SL: Any Valentine's Day plans for this weekend?
KLS: Hanging out with my hubby. He's gearing up to do several movies overseas... so we just kind of want to enjoy our Valentine's Day and share a glass of wine (which could also help in lowering heart disease in moderation, Kimora points out). We're in a very happy place, we're very happy with our family. Valentine's Day will probably be with the kids and Valentine's Day night will probably be for ourselves, unless have a screaming 8 month old. We'll just have to see...
SL: You'll be done with the runway by Valentine's Day -- will you celebrate with some chocolate?
KLS: Absolutely! I don't know what a Valentine's Day would be without a little chocolate!
