Chanel Ayan Explains Why She Doesn't Wear Her Engagement Ring: "I Literally Freaked Out"
The Real Housewives of Dubai cast member shared new details on her engagement ring and wedding band from husband Chris Pillott.
Chanel Ayan is sharing new details on her marriage to her husband of over 25 years, Chris Pillott — including why she doesn't wear her engagement ring or wedding band.
When The Real Housewives of Dubai cast member stopped by Bravo HQ for an exclusive chat on August 7, she revealed that her now-husband bought her an engagement ring in Brazil, where he was living at the time.
"My husband paid like 2,000-something dollars for it 'cause we were young," she says in the video you can watch above. "I literally freaked out, I was like, 'Do you know how many cows I could own?' I was like, 'This little thing here with diamonds?' And I was like, 'Why do I need this?' He goes, 'This is important in our culture. In America, you have to have an engagement ring.'"
In Ayan's culture, however, things are a little different.
"We don't wear engagement rings," the fashion maven, who hails from Kenya, Africa, states. "I was more like if your husband buys you a cow, a sheep, a chicken. It's more big deal, you know? So I wanted more of the animals than the diamond, but it was so important to him."
Ayan notes that her husband also got her a wedding ring (from Cartier), but she doesn't wear it.
"I don't wear my rings, at all. Because it's not in my culture," she continues. "My husband wears his. I don't."
Details on Chanel Ayan's Proposal to Chris Pillott
After finding out the entrepreneur lived in America (Idaho, specifically), Ayan proposed marriage. "I was just like, 'Marry me!' because—I'm gonna be honest—I wanted a good life," she shares in the video above.
Ayan also notes that even though they were both young, they decided to go all in—and she doesn't regret a thing.
"I'm still with him, I'm still in love 25 years later. He's a good husband," Ayan says. "I think women should ask more."
Chanel Ayan's Secrets for a Successful Marriage
Further in the interview, Ayan shares how she and Chris have kept their relationship strong after all these years.
"I think the best advice I would say is listening to your partner. Because you have to be their best friend," Ayan says"You have to have date nights... It's very, very important. It keeps the relationship so close."
She continues: "You have to love the person you're with. You have to understand them, respect them, care for their feelings. And I think that's what make, makes a good marriage."
Who is Chanel Ayan's husband, Chris Pillott?
According to his Instagram bio, he's an entrepreneur. "Experiences. Failing is merely the act of trying along the road to success," his Instagram bio quote notes. Back in Season 1 of RHODubai, fans learned more about Chris in an exclusive video, which you can check out below!
