AceShowbiz - Russell Simmons recently addressed the ongoing debate about the creation and success of the Baby Phat brand, making it clear that he believes he was the key architect behind the fashion empire that launched Kimora Lee Simmons into the spotlight.

The exchange followed Kimora Lee's recent comments on the Aspire podcast, where she revealed that she walked away with only $20 million or less from the $140 million sale of Baby Phat. Reacting to this, Russell Simmons took to social media to clarify his perspective and assert his role in the brand’s success.

According to Russell, he handed the brand to Kimora Lee on a silver platter. He stated, "I gave her the brand, which already existed, I put her in Baby Phat leather shorts the day we met... I found designers / made her famous and marketed the brand with her face. Eventually she learned and blossomed. She did a good job BUT NOTE... very generous of me."

This statement underscores Russell Simmons's insistence that while Kimora Lee played an important role as the face and creative force, the foundation, marketing, and ownership were primarily his contributions. He emphasized that the brand was well-established before her involvement and that her success was built on the groundwork he laid.

Baby Phat was launched in 1999 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon in women’s fashion. Within two years, it was generating $30 million in revenue, a milestone that took Russell's other brand, Phat Farm, six years to achieve. This rapid growth highlights the brand's early momentum and success under Russell Simmons' leadership.

Kimora Lee served as the creative director and later president and CEO of Baby Phat, steering the brand’s design and vision. The brand’s rise was so significant that it eventually contributed heavily to the $140 million sale package that included both Baby Phat and Phat Farm to Kellwood Company in 2004.

However, the $20 million or less that Kimora reportedly received from the transaction indicates she did not hold the majority ownership stake. Most of the sale proceeds went to Russell Simmons, who maintained controlling interest in the companies. This financial division is central to the ongoing dispute between them over who truly built the billion-dollar brand.

The tension between Russell and Kimora over credit and ownership has simmered for years. Since the sale, Kimora Lee Simmons has been building her own business ventures and recently removed “Simmons” from her professional name as part of a personal reset. Meanwhile, Russell Simmons has been living in Bali since 2017 but remains vocal about the Baby Phat legacy.

The sale of Phat Farm and Baby Phat marked a pivotal moment in fashion history, with both parties playing significant roles in the brand’s journey. Russell Simmons appears motivated to remind the public of the financial risk and strategic vision he invested, while Kimora Lee continues to represent the creative and public face of the brand.

As of now, Kimora Lee Simmons has not responded directly to Russell’s latest remarks. However, given her history, it is likely she will counter his narrative to assert her own contributions to Baby Phat’s success.