Following in her father’s footsteps, Sophie Simmons has decided to step into the studio to make music of her own. At only 22 years old, the daughter of Gene Simmons (KISS legend) has set the bar high to achieve success. She not only is determined about her music, she is very vocal about her thoughts on self image and sharing a message of loving who you are. As a model and actress, Simmons refuses to fall into the trend of photoshopping for a look of perfection. Instead she enjoys flaunting her true self and inspiring other young women to do the same. In the meantime, she will begin her journey of blazing her own trail in the world of music, proving to all that she is a talent to be noticed and a force to be reckoned with. However, she doesn’t stop there. This young serial entrepreneur also has her own reality show and fashion collaboration with Style Club. Simmons takes a moment to share her thoughts with Raine.
RAINE: You are releasing a single this summer, what genre of music should we expect to hear?
SIMMONS: Not rock! Actually, nothing close to it. I would say my style is more alternative pop. For me, if you grew up with rock music blaring around you all time it’s the last thing you’d want to do.
RAINE: What has been the most challenging part of starting a career in music?
SIMMONS: The most challenging part of transitioning into a musician is having people take me seriously. It can be really tough. People already have a preconceived notions of what I am going to produce, and they decide right away if they are going to like it or not.
RAINE: In addition to music, you are also involved in the fashion industry. What influenced you to start your own line?
SIMMONS: I really like collaborating with people and that’s the best way to learn. That said, I figured the best thing to do was to find a company I already liked and collaborate with them. I partnered with the Style Club for their unique approach to feature new designers like myself. The company was founded by a young woman in her thirties and I love being inspired by women who have branched out from the day to day perception that people have of modern women.
RAINE: Going back 5 years or so, what did you think you would be doing now?
SIMMONS: When I was 12 or 13 I thought I wanted to be a Marine. I believe that they are some of the most courageous people, and I wanted to model my life after that. Unfortunately, my parents put a halt to that vision. But really, I have always strived to be the most educated, most giving and the best version of me, that I could be.
RAINE: Do you consider yourself a feminist?
SIMMONS: Absolutely! If you are doing anything that women were not allowed to do in the past, such as voting then you’re a feminist! To add to that, both of my parents have influenced by viewpoint on what strong empowered women can be. My father was raised by his mother; he taught me that a woman can do anything.
RAINE: What advice would give to other rising entrepreneurs?
SIMMONS: The best thing you can do is educate yourself thoroughly on whatever you want. Listen to those people that have done what you are trying to accomplish. Also, realize you will fail and maybe one hundred times, but no matter what, you have to keep trying!
The annual cross-cultural exchange where France and the United States intertwine as one, also known as the FIAF: Trophée des Arts Gala is upon us. This annual event benefits FIAF – French Institute Alliance Française in its mission to educate, explore, and showcase the pinnacle of French and Francophone cultures. Founded in 1898, FIAF continues to create and foster French-American comradery. All proceeds from the evening support educational and cultural awareness throughout their program known as the “leading cultural center of the United States.” Last year’s prestigious recipients included Jeff Koons, contemporary artist known for exploring art in a media-saturated era during the 1980s; Koons awarded the Trophée des Arts, as well as Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman, and CEO of L’Oréal awarded the Pilier d’Or for outstanding leadership and global visionary.
On Monday, November 13, 2017, FIAF will revisit the Plaza Hotel a New York City landmark and institution as FIAF bestow cultural icons, Sidney Toledano President & CEO of Christian Dior Couture with the Pilier d’Or as the French fashion house celebrates its 70th anniversary. Peter Marino, world-renowned architect, and legendary designer will be awarded the Trophée des Arts. The gala will be co-hosted by Lauren Santo Domingo, and William and Clémence von Mueffling, where guests will enjoy a night of “elegance, eloquence, and enlightenment” through cross-cultural exchange.