From high-fashion catwalks in Paris and New York to wide-open spaces in the Lone Star State, Chanel Iman is living out her ultimate dream chapter.
The 35-year-old supermodel recently opened the doors of her picture-perfect Texas ranch to Architectural Digest, revealing how she and her husband, New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, created a serene “cowboy’s dream home” 90 minutes outside Dallas for their blended family. Complete with a four-horse barn, 50 head of cattle, and a Granny Smith apple green primary bedroom, the rustic retreat offers the ultimate escape from the fast-paced world of modeling.
“Texas gave us the freedom to dream bigger,” Chanel shared with Architectural Digest. “We love the land, the openness, being surrounded by nature. That’s really what brought us here, and it’s a dream come true.”
Trading city skyscrapers for cowgirl boots might sound like a massive shift, but Chanel is leaning into every second of her Southern transformation.
Speaking exclusively with Celeb Secrets backstage following the 2026 Disney Princess Collection By Jakks Pacific Fashion Show at Studio 525 in New York City last Wednesday (July 29), Chanel opened up about embracing her fresh, Western-inspired aesthetic.
“I’m having so much fun with my style in Texas! I’m wearing things I never thought I’d be wearing every day — I love a good cowgirl boot and cowboy hats. I just love everything about Texas… I’m a city girl gone country!” Chanel told Celeb Secrets.
“The nightlife in Texas is so much fun, and there are so many good food options throughout the day, but at night it’s a vibe for sure,” she continued.
When design and fashion meet in her Texas residence, it’s a true team effort. Chanel and Davon — who married in 2024 —worked with 2id Interiors to infuse their home with warm tones, custom Western performance details, and Chanel-inspired wool tweed fabrics. As Chanel put it, curating their home design is “kind of our love language.”
While Texas is home base, Chanel made a grand return to New York City to host the JAKKS Pacific Disney Princess Collection Fashion Show. The fairy-tale event unveiled the brand’s latest line of Disney Princess dresses, toys, and playsets.
For Chanel, hosting was extra special because her three daughters — Cali Clay Shepard (7), Cassie Snow Shepard (5), and toddler Capri Summer Godchaux (2) — walked the catwalk alongside her.
“We just finished the show, and it was so incredibly beautiful and amazing,” Chanel beamed backstage. “The energy here makes everyone want to give their all. All the ladies on the runway were glowing and looked like princesses. It took everything in me not to cry looking at them!”
When asked about her own favorite Disney Princess, Chanel admitted she couldn’t choose just one:
“I loved Pocahontas growing up, and honestly I just always wanted to be in a dress! My girls are the same way. We don’t have a favorite because we love them all—they’re all so unique in their own way.”
Organizing three young fashionistas behind the scenes is no easy feat, even for a seasoned supermodel. “I come last in the family!” Chanel laughed. “Just trying to get everybody organized to make sure they have what they need for the catwalk… I was on a mission for the right kitten heel today, but I found it, and it went perfectly with the dresses.”
Her outfit for the big event? A show-stopping dress courtesy of Bronx & Banco designer Natalie De’Banco. “When I cannot figure out what to wear, I always call my girl up, Natalie, and she always gets me right!”
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The heartwarming runway moment brought together Chanel’s extended family in full support. Her ex-husband, NFL player Sterling Shepard, sat front row cheering proudly as Cali and Cassie strutted down the runway following in their mom’s supermodel footsteps.
Meanwhile, Chanel’s husband Davon was cheering from afar while in the middle of NFL training camp.
“Unfortunately, my husband couldn’t make it today because he plays for the New Orleans Saints and they have a very strict, busy schedule,” Chanel explained to Celeb Secrets. “I’m sending him loads of videos, and he’s so proud of our baby girl, Capri.”
Interview quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
