DEVON AOKI

Devon Aoki: A Trailblazing Icon in Fashion and Film​

Early Life and Heritage

Devon Edwenna Aoki was born on August 10, 1982, in New York City. She is the daughter of Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, a former Olympic wrestler and founder of the Benihana restaurant chain, and Pamela Hilburger, a jewelry designer of German and English descent. Devon has a diverse heritage, being of Japanese, German, and English ancestry. She is also the half-sister of DJ and music producer Steve Aoki .​

Raised in Malibu, California, and later in London, Devon attended The American School in London, where she received her high school education .​

Modeling Career

Devon began her modeling career at the age of 13 after being introduced to Kate Moss by her godmother. She quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry, and by 16, she had replaced Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace .​

Throughout her career, Devon has worked with numerous high-profile brands and designers, including Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, L’Oréal, Lancôme, and Tiffany & Co. She has walked the runway for designers such as Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, and Marc Jacobs .​

In addition to her modeling work, Devon has appeared in various music videos, including Duran Duran's "Electric Barbarella," Elton John's "Something About the Way You Look Tonight," and The Killers' "Bones" .​

Acting Career

Devon transitioned into acting in the early 2000s, making her film debut in "Death of a Dynasty" (2003). She gained wider recognition for her roles in "2 Fast 2 Furious" (2003) as Suki, "Sin City" (2005) as Miho, and "DOA: Dead or Alive" (2006) as Kasumi .​

Her other film credits include "D.E.B.S." (2004), "War" (2007), and "Mutant Chronicles" (2008). Devon's performances often showcased her versatility and ability to portray strong, dynamic characters .​

Personal Life

In 2011, Devon married James Bailey, a venture capitalist. The couple has four children: a son, James Hunter, and three daughters, Alessandra Linville, Eleanor Talitha, and Evelyn .​

After the birth of her first child, Devon took a step back from her modeling and acting careers to focus on her family. However, she made a notable return to the runway in 2017, walking for Moschino under the direction of her longtime friend and designer Jeremy Scott .​

Legacy and Influence

Devon Aoki's unique look and presence have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. In 2019, Marie Claire recognized her as one of the 15 supermodels of the 2000s who changed the face of fashion . Her influence continues to inspire new generations of models and fashion enthusiasts.​

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Devon is known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for diversity and representation in the fashion and entertainment industries.​

Devon Aoki's journey from a teenage model to an influential figure in fashion and film exemplifies her resilience, talent, and dedication to her craft.