Chanel Iman: The American Model Who Redefined the Runway
Biography Chanel Iman:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chanel Iman Robinson |
| Date of Birth | December 1, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Raised In | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American & Korean (¼ Korean from mother) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Education | Fairfax High School, Los Angeles |
| Profession | Model, Actress, Philanthropist |
| Agency | Ford Models, IMG Models |
| Father | Tic Price |
| Mother | China Robinson |
| Ex-Boyfriend | ASAP Rocky (2013–2014) |
| Ex-Husband | Sterling Shepard (m. 2018 – div. 2022) |
| Current Partner | Davon Godchaux (m. 2024) |
| Children | 3 daughters — Cali Clay, Cassie, and one with Davon Godchaux |
| Net Worth | $8 – $9 Million (est.) |
| @chaneliman | |
| Known For | Victoria’s Secret Angel, Runway Model, Film: Dope (2015) |
| Active Since | 2002 |
When people think of the most celebrated faces in the fashion world, Chanel Iman is a name that always comes up. As a trailblazing American model, actress, and philanthropist, she has spent decades proving that beauty, brains, and purpose can all exist in one remarkable person. Whether fans are searching for Chanel Iman’s net worth, curious about her parents, or wondering about her relationship with ASAP Rocky, there’s a lot to unpack about this stunning supermodel. So let’s dive in and get to know her — fully.
Who Is Chanel Iman?
For anyone still asking “who is Chanel Iman,” here’s the short answer: she’s one of the most iconic runway models of her generation. Born Chanel Iman Robinson on December 1, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was raised in Los Angeles, California. She rose from being a child model at age 12 to becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel and one of Vogue Paris’s top 30 models of the 2000s. But her story is so much more than just pretty pictures and glossy magazine covers.
What makes Chanel Iman stand out isn’t just her looks — it’s her personality, her resilience, and the unapologetic confidence she brings to everything she does.
Chanel Iman Age: How Old Is She?
Chanel Iman’s age is one of the most commonly searched facts about her. Born on December 1, 1990, she is currently 35 years old. She began her modeling career while still in her early teens, which means she has literally grown up in front of the camera. Despite being in the industry for over two decades, she continues to look as stunning as ever — and her energy and drive haven’t slowed down one bit.
Chanel Iman Height: How Tall Is She?
Wondering how tall is Chanel Iman? She stands at an impressive 5 feet 10 inches (approximately 1.78 meters). Her height, combined with her striking features and natural poise, made her a natural fit for the world’s biggest runways and editorial spreads. In the modeling industry, her tall, statuesque frame helped her command attention everywhere from Paris to Milan to New York.
Chanel Iman Parents: Her Mother China Robinson and Father Tic Price
Chanel Iman’s parents played a significant role in shaping who she is today. Her mother is China Robinson, a woman of mixed African American and Korean heritage, and her father is Tic Price, who is African American. Growing up, Chanel was particularly close to her mother, who not only supported her modeling dreams but also accompanied her on jobs as a chaperone when she was just a teenager.
Chanel Iman’s mother is arguably one of her biggest influences. In an early Vibe interview, Chanel described her mom as her ultimate role model, someone who taught her everything about life. The two are so in sync that they even launched a clothing boutique together — The Red Bag Boutique in Culver City, California — back in 2010. That kind of mother-daughter bond is rare, and it’s clearly a cornerstone of who Chanel is as a person.
Chanel Iman Ethnicity: A Beautiful Blend of Cultures
Chanel Iman’s ethnicity reflects a rich cultural background. She is African American on her father’s side, while her mother is of mixed African American and Korean descent, making Chanel one-quarter Korean. This multicultural heritage has contributed to her unique, exotic beauty that has captivated designers, photographers, and fans around the world.
Her diverse background is something she has spoken about proudly over the years. In an industry that often pushes models into boxes, Chanel’s ethnicity has set her apart and helped her become a symbol of inclusive beauty long before it was a trending conversation in fashion.
Early Career: From Child Model to Runway Sensation
The story of Chanel Iman the model begins early. She started modeling with Ford Models in Los Angeles at just 12 years old, driven by an intense passion for fashion that she had harbored since childhood — reportedly dressing up as a model every Halloween as a little girl.
Her breakthrough came in 2006, when she flew to New York and placed third in Ford’s Supermodel of the World contest. Shortly after, she was officially signed to the agency. That same year, she debuted on runways in Paris, Milan, and New York at just 15 years old. She became known for her signature runway move — winking at a random audience member on her return trip down the catwalk. In an era where models were expected to glide and blend in, Chanel Iman’s playful spirit was refreshingly rebellious.
By spring 2007, U.S. Vogue had named her one of its next model stars in the annual new faces issue, making her the sole African American model among the ten featured. It was a milestone moment — not just for her career, but for representation in fashion.
Chanel Iman Victoria’s Secret: Becoming an Angel
No chapter of Chanel Iman’s story is more iconic than her time as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She officially earned her wings in 2010 and walked in the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows in 2009, 2010, and 2011. As the youngest Angel in the lineup, she was nicknamed the “Baby Angel” for her youthful energy and playful personality on the runway.
Chanel Iman Victoria’s Secret appearances helped cement her status as one of the most recognizable faces in the world. The brand’s Fashion Show is considered one of the highest honors a model can receive, and her multiple appearances there showed just how highly regarded she was in the industry.
Modelling Career Highlights: Runways, Campaigns, and Magazine Covers
Beyond Victoria’s Secret, Chanel Iman’s modeling career reads like a who’s who of the fashion industry. She has walked runways for titans of style including Burberry, Gucci, Versace, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren, among dozens of others.
Her advertising campaigns have spanned equally impressive territory — Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, Swarovski, Ralph Lauren, and Victoria’s Secret have all featured her face in major campaigns.
When it comes to editorial work, her covers and features include Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Vanity Fair, V magazine, i-D, and numerous international editions of Vogue. Vogue Paris declared her one of the top 30 models of the 2000s — a recognition that speaks volumes about her lasting impact on the industry.
Chanel Iman in Dope: Her Acting Debut
Chanel Iman’s talents extend beyond the runway. She made her feature film debut in the critically acclaimed 2015 film Dope, directed by Rick Famuyiwa. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received widespread praise. Interestingly, Chanel Iman Dope also represented a connection to her then-relationship with rapper ASAP Rocky, who also appeared in the film — and both of them later reflected on what a positive experience it was creatively.
She has also appeared in Beyoncé’s music video for “Yoncé”, Usher’s “Dive,” and The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face,” showcasing her screen presence beyond modeling. In 2017, she appeared in the Crackle movie Mad Families, adding to her growing acting résumé. She has also served as a guest judge on America’s Next Top Model during Cycles 13 and 23.
Chanel Iman and ASAP Rocky: A Fashion World Romance
One of the most talked-about chapters of her personal life is the relationship between Chanel Iman and ASAP Rocky. The two began dating in early 2013 and quickly became one of the most buzzed-about couples in both music and fashion circles. They attended major events together, including the Met Gala, and even appeared together in a Vogue magazine photo shoot.
By April 2014, rumors swirled that ASAP Rocky and Chanel Iman were engaged, but the couple separated in June 2014. Rocky later opened up in an MTV interview about how deeply the breakup affected him, saying he ended things because he felt she deserved better. Their time together remains one of the most memorable celebrity pairings of that era — and their connection was real enough that they remained on friendly terms long after.
Chanel Iman Ex-Husband: Sterling Shepard
After her split from ASAP Rocky, Chanel Iman eventually found love with NFL wide receiver Sterling Shepard of the New York Giants. The two met in November 2016 at Chanel’s birthday party and got engaged in December 2017. They married on March 3, 2018, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Together, Chanel Iman and her ex-husband Sterling Shepard have two daughters: Cali Clay Shepard, born in August 2018, and Cassie Shepard, born in December 2019. The couple later divorced in January 2022, though they continue to co-parent their children.
Chanel Iman Kids: A Proud Mom of Three
Family is everything to Chanel Iman. Chanel Iman’s kids include her two daughters with Sterling Shepard — Cali and Cassie — and a third daughter with her current partner Davon Godchaux, born in September 2023. She often shares glimpses of her life as a mother on social media, and her Instagram page @chaneliman gives fans a peek into both her professional work and her warm family moments. Motherhood has only added to her shine, and she speaks openly about how deeply she loves being a mom.
Davon Godchaux and Chanel Iman: A New Chapter
Following her divorce from Sterling Shepard, Chanel Iman found love again. In 2022, she began dating Davon Godchaux, an NFL defensive tackle who has played for the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and currently the New Orleans Saints. The two first met at a beach club in Miami and went public at Coachella in April 2022.
In 2023, Godchaux proposed while the couple was vacationing in Capri, Italy. They welcomed a daughter together on September 19, 2023, and married in 2024. Davon Godchaux and Chanel Iman represent a beautiful new beginning — and fans have been loving every moment of their journey together.
Chanel Iman Net Worth: How Much Is She Worth?
Given her decades-long career in fashion, entertainment, and business, it’s no surprise that Chanel Iman’s net worth is substantial. Estimates place it at around $8 to $9 million, accumulated through high-profile modeling contracts, acting roles, brand endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures like The Red Bag Boutique. Her net worth reflects not just her beauty but the smart, strategic way she has built her brand over the years.
Philanthropy: Giving Back in a Big Way
Beyond the runway and the red carpet, Chanel Iman has a genuine heart for giving. In 2011, she traveled to East Africa as part of USAID and the Ad Council’s FWD campaign, helping raise awareness about the devastating drought in the region. She has also been involved in establishing primary schools in Tanzania and Uganda and personally sponsors young girls in Kenya by funding their education and daily needs.
In May 2011, none other than Anna Wintour chose her to co-host the prestigious Runway to Win fundraising event in Chicago — a nod to how much respect Chanel Iman commands not just as a model, but as a person of influence and integrity.
Legacy: Why Chanel Iman Still Matters
Chanel Iman is more than a model. She is a trailblazer who has championed diversity in an industry that wasn’t always ready for it. She has balanced superstardom with genuine humanitarianism, raised a beautiful family, navigated public relationships with grace, and continued to evolve her career over two decades. From the girl who winked at strangers on the Paris runway to the woman gracing reality TV on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Chanel Iman has never stopped surprising people.
Her story is one of resilience, elegance, and authenticity — and it’s far from over.
Also Read: Cameron Russell: American Supermodel, Activist & Viral TED Talk Speaker
