One of the most unexpected bits of news to come out on International Women's Day was the 2019 relaunch of Baby Phat by model Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner.
Yes, it's happening.
The women and girls clothing brand popularized in the early 2000s will be relaunched later this year. According to fashion site WWD, the model and business mogul announced during Friday's International Women's Day she purchased the brand. Her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee Simmons, will play a prominent role in shaping Baby Phat's future, a decision that will hopefully make the relaunch special, Leissner told the site.
“It’s perfect timing for this,” she told WWD. “Over the past several years, we realized the brand resonates with people and lives deep in their souls.”
Baby Phat was an offshoot of her then-husband Russell Simmons' Phat Farm. The women's brand was sold to Kellwood in 2004, but Leissner stayed on board serving in different capacities until 2010.
Her daughter, Ming Lee, took to Twitter and Instagram to reassure fans of the old Baby Phat that all women will be celebrated.
"Celebrating #internationalwomensday w a very special announcement," she wrote. "Baby Phat has always been a brand for women. We always celebrated every shape, size, race, background of every woman. In 2019, we’re bringing it back for ALL of us… Because we’re worth celebrating."
Celebrating #internationalwomensday w a very special announcement! Baby Phat has always been a brand for women. We always celebrated every shape, size, race, background of every woman. In 2019, we’re bringing it back for ALL of us… Because we’re worth celebrating. @BabyPhat
pic.twitter.com/PBcppy7RaX— Ming Lee Simmons (@heyimming) March 8, 2019
It has yet to be disclosed what role Ming Lee and Aoki Lee will play in the relaunch, but the 43-year-old said she wanted the brand to cater to young women and teens like them.
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The news came while the business mogul announced a partnership with the UN Women and the Gender Innovation Coalition for Change. She will work closely with the coalition to champion workplace equality.
“It means so much to me personally to be involved with UN Women — the impactful work they do resonates with women worldwide. What compels me most is not just its endeavor to bring awareness to gender equality, but the actionable agendas this group creates to facilitate actual change by innovating new standards,” Leissner said.
Fans of the then-billion dollar brand are waiting impatiently for its return to prominence.
Now that I’m grown and can afford shit best believe imma be iced out in baby phat https://t.co/g48cSh3egh
— Lo ✨ (@lauryn_taylorr) March 8, 2019
baby phat and fubu both making returns to take our money this year pic.twitter.com/1tSvnnBoZj
— nate (@leroynathanielj) March 9, 2019
mood since baby phat coming back. pic.twitter.com/nH61f2pGa3
— liljesse (@imjdollaz) March 8, 2019
I’m ready for baby phat to overthrow f*shion n*v@ ????
— La Bronze James (@jackieaina) March 9, 2019
If you owned any Juciy couture or Baby Phat by in the 2000s you a bad bitch today pic.twitter.com/5E989dSmJw
— Gabi | blm???????? (@gabriellajones_) March 9, 2019
Baby Phat is expected to have its relaunch in the spring of this year. Expect the clothing brand to continue its commitment to women of color. “That’s always been my message, but it’s never more relevant than it is now,” Leissner said.
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