The Real Housewives franchise is introducing another addition to the family with The Real Housewives of Dubai (RHODubai), premiering on Bravo.
As is customary for the franchise, the show will feature well-known characters and socialites from the city after which it is named.
One of the most well-known people to appear on the new show is supermodel Chanel Ayan, who is married to artist and model Luca Salves. The couple has a teenage kid who also works as a model in Dubai for advertising projects.
Ayan is the first black supermodel to appear in a magazine in Dubai. She has also worked for renowned fashion houses such of Amato Couture, Chanel, Dior, Moschino, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton, and has appeared in many international editions of Vogue.
Chanel Ayan's Background
Chanel Ayan (real name Ayan Pillott) is a Kenyan of Somalian descent. While still in Kenya, she got a taste of modeling at the age of 17, prompting the reality TV star to relocate to Brazil. In the midst of her blossoming career as a new model, she met her now-husband Salves there.
Following their marriage, the couple relocated to the United States and began working for the Elite Model Agency. Their destiny then led them to Dubai, where they have been ever since. The pair has lived in Dubai for 18 years.
Chanel Ayan remarked in the RHODubai launch video:
“My name is Ayan and I’m originally from Kenya. I’ve been in Dubai for 18 years. I moved here with my husband who’s from Idaho. Had my son here. I’m the first black supermodel in Dubai. First person from my village or from my generation to do something really big as this. So I feel so proud!”
Ayan has reportedly collaborated with every Middle Eastern brand and designer.
She was the inspiration for one of the most prestigious designers. Ayan claimed in a 2019 interview that she donned celebrity outfits before they were shipped to them.
The supermodel also talked about her career:
“I am the muse for one of the biggest designers in the world, the Amato couture. He has dressed Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Nicky Minaj, Shakira and JLo he says am his muse. I usually dress clothes for celebrities before he sends them to the USA for Oscars or anything.”
Ayan further added:
“Funny thing I used to fit for Nicky Minaj and we have very different bodies but they would check colors and design that will fit her. I wore the same white dress that Beyonce wore in Grammys before it was sent to the USA.”
Ayan is a businesswoman as well as a supermodel, having collaborated with makeup artist Toni Malt to create her own line of skincare and beauty products, Ayan by Toni Malt and Ayan Skin, respectively.
According to her Instagram, she has traveled to Budapest, India, Bali, Georgia, Prague, Tokyo, Paris, Greece, and Portugal, among other places.
