Vanessa Simmons Talks Lingerie Line, Sheds Daddy’s Girl Image

Vanessa Simmons is looking rightfully fresh with a brand new movie, a recently launched lingerie line and an unstoppable outlook on life. The first daughter of hip-hop pioneer Rev Run, formerly of RUN DMC, is refusing to base her life on the expectations of others. Vanessa proudly launched Rose by Vanessa Jean, a sexy, upscale lingerie line mostly reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. While the launch may be keeping the Pastry founder busy, she has not strayed away from her passion of acting. Her new film, Dysfunctional Friends, is in selected theaters now. It’s a fun comedy with a star-studded cast that includes Meagan Good, Stacey Dash and Tatyana Ali. Vanessa likened being on set of the film to a dream. It “was so surreal,” she described.
The 28-year-old actress dispels the silver spoon perception and says she has to work just as hard as everyone else, regardless of coming from a wealthy family. She chats with VIBE Vixen about remaining fearless despite the opinions of others, while sharing the best advice she’s ever gotten from her father. -Lathleen Ade-Brown

Here are some excerpts from the interview 

What inspired you to launch your lingerie line?
I love lingerie so much. I spend way too much money in Victoria’s Secret, but I wasn’t finding little things that were needed. So I started designing little things for myself. I would make a robe or a corset, and other women would love what I have to offer. It’s all about old Hollywood glamour. Most of my inspiration comes from, Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge; they were so classy and feminine. I really think I have something to offer, and I want to be able to offer it to women of all shapes and sizes.

Were you reluctant to release the lingerie line? What do you say to the people who may think it’s too sexy and mature for a Reverend’s daughter to release?
I laugh at those people because I’m like, I can’t be a normal female and like normal things that girls like? What am I suppose to be wearing? Granny panties? [laughs]. I make some money, I go buy sexy things. I’m obsessed like any other woman would be, so those people that hate on the project, I don’t pay them no mind.



Perhaps they still consider you a young girl.
People think I’m like 10! I’ve been mature since [Run’s House]. I was 20 years old when we started. People always want to see me with my dad when I’m out. Paparazzi usually ask me “where’s your dad?” I’m like, ‘He doesn’t walk around with me everywhere.’ [laughs]

 What is the biggest misconception about being a Reverend’s daughter?
Well people expect me to not be talented. While I am a Simmons and there are a lot of privileges that come with that, it is really hard to get our family’s attention to pitch something. Think about it, my dad has heard every pitch idea, so we actually have it a little bit harder to pitch something. When we are sitting at home chilling, my family doesn’t want to hear about business. It can be challenging for us like everyone else. We are grinding like everyone else. We have been installed with this incredible ambition that just will not stop; I do not sleep at night. I am working just as hard as everyone else, maybe even harder. I don’t party often [because] I spend my time trying to make my dreams come true.