While the surname Simmons will always be synonymous with great music, it’s also beocome known for original, 
fun fashion. Recently, the women of the Simmons family further expanded their fashion empires from the East Coast to the West Coast.
First, Vanessa and Angela Simmons (daughters of Rev. Run and stars of "Run’s House" and "Daddy’s Girls" on MTV) hosted a concert and fashion show on February 16 to celebrate the release of their apparel and handbag line, Pastry, which is an extension of their existing Pastry shoe collection. The girls chose the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas for their very, very colorful event. The show was studded with performances by Keri Hilson and newcomers Na’ Shay, pop group Sophia Fresh and fellow "Daddy’s Girls" star Alycia Bellamy.
The next day, their former aunt Kimora Lee showed her scaled-down Baby Phat line at New York’s Gotham Hall as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
We hear that quite a few of the designated seats were empty (including Joy Bryant, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams), but others like Monica, Mario, ex-hubby Russell Simmons and new boo Djimon Honsou were all in the mix.
As far as the clothes, you won’t believe this, but Kimora presented a very toned down womenswear collection with menswear-inspired vests, tailored slacks, torn jeans and lots of fringe.
Of course, there was the ubiquitous lamé (in the form of a silver, off-the-shoulder tunic) and leather leggings. Overall, a much more sophisticated offering. Could Baby Phat be growing into, err, woman phat?
– Whitney Teal
What do you think of Pastry and Baby Phat designs?
Photos by Scott Harrison / Retna Ltd. and Terrence Jennings / Retna Ltd.
