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Simmons makes real-world fashion look easy

By Jasmin James

Published Dec. 10, 2010

We all know who Russell Simmons is; He is single-handedly responsible for the word "def," which he attached to his record label, video game and subsequent spin-offs, Def Poetry and Def Comedy Jam. He has more money than most people will ever see in their lifetime, and has become one of the biggest names in the music world. His entire family has a hand in fame, fortune and the American dream.

Aside from being a businessman, philanthropist, investor and advisor all over the world, Simmons is also a pretty big deal in the fashion industry. He has his own jewelry brand, Simmons Jewelry, which is sold to everyday Americans, as well as elites in the music industry. He is responsible for Phat Farm, Baby Phat (via ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons), American Classics-his discount brand featured at Walmart-and Argyleculture, his designer gentleman's line. The three distinct brands represent Russell's different personas, which can be best understood by watching Oxygen's "Running Russell Simmons."

As someone who stays clear of ridiculous reality TV shows with bad editing, scripts and stage drama, I was skeptical about Oxygen's project. I thought, "Now, why would anyone care to watch the inner workings of Russell Simmons entire platform of businesses?" But, the show proved to be interesting, informative and very insightful on the "__ industry." You fill in the blank: music, modeling, jewelry and, of course, fashion. His entourage includes two very different personal assistants, two interns and an entire team of eager, hardworking young professionals. Every week, the show introduces some of Russell's closest friends, including fashion icon Amber Rose, Victoria's Secret Angel Selita Ebanks, Maxim models Paige Butcher, Heidi Albertsen and Katie Post, John Legend and Kelly Bensimone.

Russell Simmons is a billionaire who does charity work across the globe, but he is also a well-dressed fashion guru, and a lot more savvy and creative than the competition, which might include Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. The show was better than some competition/elimination shows that only show the preliminary work that it takes to get your foot into the door. It took a deeper look inside of the things people do to stay there. The show wasn't a traditional fashion show, like "America's Next Top Model," "Project Runway" or "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" (see "Celebrity Rehab" with Dr. Drew), but it was an everything show that could impress anyone who watched it.

I might also add that in the new job industry where everyone wants the best PR, communication and entertainment internship, this reality show was REAL. These girls were busting their butts and competing for a final position. It's not as easy as Whitney made it look on "The City," and we saw why.

Fashion is hard work. Russell Simmons makes it look easy.