'RHODubai's Chanel Ayan Is Breaking Some Major Barriers
There’s nothing I love more than a new Housewives franchise. In recent years, Bravo has added new shows like the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and the Real Housewives of the Potomac. And if you don't see these as the crown jewels of the franchise...well, I can’t relate!
If the trailer is any indicator, the ladies of the Real Housewives of Dubai may just give the Gizelle Bryants and Heather Gays of the Bravo-verse a run for their paychecks—no disrespect intended to these two queens.
The series, set to premiere on June 1, features the eleventh city to be included in the franchise and the first international show to air in the United States. Well, besides Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with its iconic ‘Housewives In The Islands’ theme song, of course.
But it definitely seems like RHODubai is going to add a whole lot of drama and glamorous events to the portfolio! The show will follow the wildly luxurious lifestyles of Chanel Ayan, Nina Ali, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Lesa Milan, and Ladies of London icon Caroline Stanbury.
Bravo Stans (me) will remember other international sprint offs: Ladies of London, and The Real Housewives of Melbourne, but Dubai is poised to bring these international franchises to the mainstream. In the spirit of learning about the ladies who will no doubt captivate us for seasons to come, let’s get to know one of the intriguing leading ladies: Chanel Ayan.
She's originally from Kenya.
Chanel was born and raised in Kenya, and is also of Ethiopian and Somali descent, her Bravo bio says. But she eventually moved to Brazil at 18 to pursue modeling, she told Cosmopolitan. She now owns a talent agency and makeup brand AYAN Beauty by Toni Malt Makeup. Chanel has lived in Dubai for 18 years with her husband (more on him in a moment) and their son.
Figuring out Chanel’s age was a surprisingly difficult task—and with the Internet, a reality show, and simply being alive in the year 2022, this is a feat that should not be overlooked. Chanel is listed as being anywhere from 30 to 45 years old. Fingers crossed she celebrates a birthday on the show, as I am sure chaos will ensue.
Chanel is breaking barriers.
She's not just any model. “I’m the first Black supermodel in Dubai,” Chanel said in a promotional video for the show. “First person from my village or from my generation to do something really big as this. So I feel so proud!”
During her career, Chanel has appeared in campaigns for Chanel, Tiffany, Cartier, Valentino, and Dolce & Gabbana. She is also the face of Piaget, a Swiss luxury watch brand.
Who is her husband?
While a teenaged Chanel was in Brazil kickstarting her modeling career, she fell in love with her now-husband Luca Salves, who is from the U.S. The pair moved to Dubai after getting hitched, and haven’t looked back since! Luca is an artist, and also a model.
They've been married for over two decades now, according to her Bravo bio.
Luca and Chanel have one son together.
Taj, their 14-year-old son, is definitely following in his parents’ footsteps. He recently posed for Vogue Arabia and one can only hope to see some modeling prep a la the Hamlin and Hadid sisters coming from him in this new series.
What is her net worth?
Being a supermodel, make-up mogul, and the owner of a talent agency has to come with some serious cash. But the model’s net worth is unknown at this time. However, I’ll be willing to make some estimates after watching the first season! So, everyone stay tuned.
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