New York City, NY, USA: Bhavitha Mandava from Hyderabad has achieved a landmark moment in global fashion by becoming the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2026 show in New York. At just 25, she earned an honour that many in the modelling world pursue for years, made even more special by the presence of her parents, who watched her descend the grand staircase at Bowery Station with overwhelming pride.
From Architecture Graduate to Chanel’s New Discovery
Before fashion entered her life, Bhavitha’s journey was rooted in academics. She completed her Architecture degree at JNTU Hyderabad and later moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s in Interactive Design and Media. Modelling was never part of her plans.
That changed unexpectedly during a regular day at a New York subway station, where she was noticed by world-renowned designer Matthieu Blazy. Dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans, she caught his attention with her natural presence. What followed was a real-life transformation: castings, runway preparations, and entry into the global fashion circuit.
She made her runway debut as a Bottega Veneta exclusive under Blazy and soon walked major shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris, attracting the attention of top labels including Dior.
A Moment That Touched Hearts Across India
Her Chanel opening became an emotional highlight, especially after a video went viral showing her parents cheering joyfully from the audience. On December 3, Bhavitha shared the clip on social media, expressing how deeply the moment meant to her. Her mother’s emotional cheers and her father’s teary pride struck a chord with people everywhere. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari and many fashion personalities also celebrated her achievement.
Returning to the Place Where It All Began
Fashion expert Viren H Shah described her rise as poetic, pointing out how the designer who discovered her in a subway station brought her back to a station-themed runway as the face of Chanel’s new collection. Blazy not only found her but also shaped her early path in high fashion, offering rare opportunities to a newcomer.
A New Voice for Indian Representation in Global Luxury
Bhavitha’s rise stands out in an industry often seen as difficult to enter. She proudly carries her Hyderabad identity while stepping into the world’s most influential fashion spaces.
Her journey is a reminder that opportunity can appear anywhere—even in an ordinary metro station—and that dreams sometimes begin where we least expect them.
For Indian visibility in international luxury fashion, her accomplishment marks a major step forward. And for Bhavitha Mandava, this is only the start of a bigger journey ahead.
