When digital creator and entrepreneur Chriselle Lim stepped into a new chapter following her high-profile divorce, followers quickly turned their attention to her romantic life. The mysterious beau who captured her heart is Sebastian Manes, a prominent retail executive. After a long period of keeping details quiet—often referred to by fans as a extended "soft launch"—Lim began openly sharing glimpses of her relationship, including joint vacations and public appearances.
Understanding this relationship requires looking past internet speculation to see how Lim rebuilt her personal life in Los Angeles. This article breaks down who Sebastian Manes is, how their relationship unfolded post-divorce, and what public milestones they've shared.
Who Is Sebastian Manes?
For months, online sleuths tried to identify the man appearing quietly in the background of Lim's social media channels and fashion event photos. That man was identified as Sebastian Manes.
Unlike Lim, who built her career entirely in the public eye as a fashion stylist, YouTuber, and co-founder of Phlur fragrance, Manes comes from the corporate side of the retail industry. He previously served as the buying and merchandising director at British luxury department store Selfridges. During his tenure there, he played a major role in modernizing retail spaces and restructuring footwear and accessories departments to appeal to younger, digitally native shoppers.
Because of his corporate background, Manes maintains a lower social media profile than Lim, which initially fueled fan curiosity and internet detective work.
Moving On After Divorce
Lim's new relationship emerged following the formal conclusion of her marriage to Allen Chen. Lim and Chen were married in 2012 and shared nearly a decade together before separating in 2021. Their divorce was finalized in July 2023.
In interviews and social media posts, Lim has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the transition. In the immediate aftermath, she faced intense personal adjustments while continuing to manage multiple businesses and raise her two daughters.
Rather than jumping straight into a public romance, Lim took a cautious approach to dating. She spent time focusing on personal growth, expanding her entrepreneurial ventures, and establishing a stable routine as a single mother in Los Angeles before introducing a new partner into her daily life.
The Extended Soft Launch
Social media followers first noticed subtle shifts in Lim's content, noting mysterious travel companions and shared dinner settings. This gradual disclosure strategy—widely known as a soft launch—allowed Lim to share her happiness without opening every aspect of her personal life to immediate scrutiny.
As the relationship progressed, the hints became clearer. By late 2023 and into 2024, the couple made formal public appearances together at industry events. They also took significant steps forward by blending their families, including taking trips together with their respective children, signaling a serious and stable commitment.
Navigating Modern Blended Families
One of the most defining aspects of Lim and Manes' relationship is the creation of a blended family. Both individuals entered the relationship as parents. Lim shares two daughters with her ex-husband, Allen Chen, while Manes is also a father.
Balancing public careers with the private needs of children requires careful boundaries. In lifestyle vlogs and updates, Lim has emphasized that introducing children to a new partner is a delicate process that requires patience and open communication. Opting for family-oriented trips, such as vacations to Hawaii, allowed both families to bond in a relaxed environment away from the pressures of city life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chriselle Lim and Sebastian Manes start dating?
While the exact start date hasn't been officially pinpointed, rumors and sightings of the couple began circulating in late 2023, with their relationship becoming more public through 2024.
What is Sebastian Manes' profession?
Sebastian Manes is a retail executive who previously served as the buying and merchandising director for the UK-based luxury department store Selfridges.
Is Chriselle Lim married to Sebastian Manes?
As of recent updates, the couple is in a committed relationship and has shared major milestones like blended family trips, but they have not announced marriage plans.
How does Chriselle Lim co-parent with her ex-husband?
Lim and her ex-husband, Allen Chen, maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship to raise their two daughters in Los Angeles.
