Dubai’s glamorous social scene welcomed a fresh face with the arrival of Chanel Ayan on The Real Housewives of Dubai. As the first Black supermodel in Dubai, Chanel has built an impressive career over nearly two decades in the city, earning recognition for her striking beauty, strong personality, and impeccable fashion sense. Let’s take a closer look at the life, career, and achievements of this rising reality TV star.
Who is Chanel Ayan?
Chanel Ayan is a Kenyan-Somali model, entrepreneur, and television personality, best known as the first Black supermodel in Dubai. She has worked with major luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. In addition to her successful modeling career, she has ventured into business, launching her own beauty brand, Ayan Beauty, in collaboration with makeup artist Toni Malt.
Chanel gained widespread recognition as a cast member on The Real Housewives of Dubai, where her bold personality, extravagant fashion sense, and glamorous lifestyle have made her a standout star. She has been married to Luca Salves for over 22 years, and they share a son, Taj, who is also making a name for himself in modeling.
Chanel Ayan Age
Chanel Ayan was born on June 7, 1978, in Malaba, Kenya, making Chanel Ayan age 46 years old as of 2024. Over the years, she has defied age stereotypes in the fashion and entertainment industries, maintaining a successful career as a model, entrepreneur, and television personality. With her striking beauty, confidence, and bold personality, Chanel continues to be a dominant force in the industry.
Despite the ever-changing nature of fashion and reality television, she has managed to stay relevant, proving that age is no barrier to success. Her ability to adapt, evolve, and consistently deliver high-fashion moments has earned her widespread recognition. Whether gracing the covers of prestigious magazines, walking the runways of luxury brands, or showcasing her opulent lifestyle on The Real Housewives of Dubai, Chanel remains a symbol of timeless elegance and ambition. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to long-term success, regardless of age.
Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Chanel Ayan (born Pillott Ayan) |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1978 |
| chanel ayan Age | 46 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Malaba, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan-Somali |
| Occupation | Model, Businesswoman, TV Personality |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Known For | First Black Supermodel in Dubai, Real Housewives of Dubai |
| Spouse | Luca Salves (married for 22+ years) |
| Children | Son – Taj Salves (born 2009) |
| Modeling Career | Worked with Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton |
| Business Ventures | Founder of Ayan Beauty (in collaboration with Toni Malt) |
| Television | The Real Housewives of Dubai (since 2022) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1 million |
Chanel Ayan Early Life
Chanel Ayan was born on June 7, 1978, in Malaba, Kenya, into a Somali-Kenyan family. Growing up in a modest household, she developed a strong sense of independence and ambition from an early age. Raised in a close-knit community, she was exposed to the rich cultures of both Kenya and Somalia, which later influenced her unique sense of style and confidence.
As a child, Chanel always had a passion for fashion and beauty. She admired supermodels she saw in magazines and dreamed of one day gracing the runways herself. Despite facing societal challenges and limited opportunities in her hometown, she remained determined to carve out a successful career in modeling. Her journey began when she moved to Brazil in her early 20s to pursue modeling professionally. From there, she worked tirelessly to establish herself in the industry, eventually becoming a trailblazing figure in Dubai’s fashion scene.
Chanel Ayan Background and Personal Life
Born in Kenya as Pillott Ayan, Chanel Ayan was always drawn to the world of fashion and beauty from a young age. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she found inspiration in both the traditional and modern styles that surrounded her. Her passion for fashion was evident early on, and she dreamed of one day becoming a successful model. Chanel’s journey to the top began when she moved to Brazil in her early 20s to pursue her modeling career, determined to make a name for herself despite the challenges that lay ahead.
During this time, Chanel met Luca Salves, an artist and model from Idaho. The two quickly developed a strong bond, and by the time Chanel was in her early 20s, they had married. Their relationship has stood the test of time, with the couple celebrating over 22 years of marriage. Together, they have built a solid partnership, supporting each other’s personal and professional growth.
Chanel and Luca are parents to a 14-year-old son, Taj, who is already making a name for himself in the modeling industry. Taj’s natural charisma and striking looks have landed him high-profile opportunities, including a feature in Vogue Arabia, marking a significant milestone in his young career. As a family, Chanel, Luca, and Taj continue to be a close-knit unit, balancing their busy careers with their personal lives, and showcasing the strength of their enduring love and commitment to one another.
The Journey to Success in Modeling
Chanel’s modeling career took off in Brazil before she established herself as a major name in the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, she has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Amato Couture. She has also been featured in various international editions of Vogue and played a significant role in advertising campaigns for Emirates Airlines and the Dubai Tourism Authority.
Beyond modeling, she is the official face of Piaget, a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, and has solidified her presence in the fashion industry through collaborations with top designers..
A Bold Personality and Fashion Icon
Known for her extravagant style, Chanel brings a larger-than-life personality to The Real Housewives of Dubai. She describes her fashion sense as “outrageous” and embraces bold, dramatic looks. She prides herself on standing out rather than blending in, a mindset that has propelled her to success in the fashion world.
“I am not a simple person. I am not basic. I am unique, and I love that people see me that way,” she once shared in an interview.
What to Expect from Chanel Ayan on Real Housewives of Dubai
Chanel is one of six successful women featured in the first international installment of The Real Housewives franchise. The cast includes fellow newcomers Nina Ali, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, and Lesa Milan, along with Ladies of London alum Caroline Stanbury.
According to Chanel, fans can expect plenty of drama, luxury, and humor. She describes the cast as being “too glamorous, too funny, too dramatic,” but also emphasizes that they are all proud mothers who share their lives openly with the audience.
“We are all incredible women in different ways. You’ll get to see our personalities, our struggles, and our successes. The best part is how real and open we are about our lives,” she revealed.
As The Real Housewives of Dubai continues to showcase the extravagant lifestyles of its cast, Chanel Ayan stands out as a force to be reckoned with, bringing style, substance, and undeniable star power to the screen.
Chanel Ayan’s Business Ventures and Net Worth
Aside from her modeling success, Chanel has expanded her career into entrepreneurship. She runs a talent agency and has recently launched a beauty brand, AYAN by Toni Malt Makeup, showcasing her expertise in the beauty industry.
At 43 years old, Chanel has built an impressive career and lifestyle in Dubai. Her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
FAQs about Chanel Ayan:
Q: Who is Chanel Ayan?
A: Chanel Ayan is a Kenyan-Somali model, entrepreneur, and television personality, known as the first Black supermodel in Dubai. She is also a cast member of The Real Housewives of Dubai.
Q: How old is Chanel Ayan?
A: Chanel Ayan was born on June 7, 1978, making her 46 years old as of 2024.
Q: What is Chanel Ayan’s net worth?
A: Chanel Ayan’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, built from her successful modeling career, business ventures, and TV appearances.
Q: Who is Chanel Ayan’s husband?
A: Chanel Ayan is married to Luca Salves, an artist and model from Idaho. The couple has been married for over 22 years.
Q: Does Chanel Ayan have children?
A: Yes, Chanel and Luca have a 14-year-old son named Taj, who is following in his mother’s footsteps in the modeling world.
Conclusion
Chanel Ayan’s journey from a young dreamer in Kenya to a celebrated model and reality TV star in Dubai showcases her resilience, passion, and ability to break barriers. With a remarkable career spanning the fashion, beauty, and television industries, Chanel continues to inspire others. Her story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to oneself, no matter the obstacles. Whether on the runway or the screen, Chanel Ayan is undeniably a force to be reckoned with.
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