Who is Bhavitha Mandava? 25-year-old first Indian model to open a Chanel show

Bhavitha Mandava opened the Chanel Métiers d’Art show on December 2. Photo Courtesy: Official Instagram account of Bhavitha Mandava

Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old from Hyderabad, has made history by becoming the first Indian model to open a Chanel Métiers d'Art show. The show, held on December 2 inside Manhattan's abandoned Bowery subway station, featured Mandava leading the lineup, marking a notable milestone for Indian representation on global runways.

Mandava's academic background is rooted far from the world of fashion. She completed her bachelor's degree in architecture at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Hyderabad before moving to the United States to pursue a master's degree in Integrated Design & Media at New York University (NYU), with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction. During her time at NYU, she worked as a communications specialist at NYU's MakerSpace, engaging in research, creative technology and design-led innovation.

Her entry into modelling happened unexpectedly. While waiting on a New York subway platform, she was spotted by Matthieu Blazy, then creative director of Bottega Veneta. The encounter took place just two weeks before the Spring/Summer 2025 fashion season. Impressed by her presence, Blazy cast her immediately, and she made her debut on the SS25 runway. Since then, Mandava has walked for major fashion weeks across New York, London and Milan, working with established designers and gaining visibility within the industry.

Opening the Chanel Métiers d'Art show marks her most prominent moment so far. The showcase is considered one of Chanel's most specialised presentations, celebrating craftsmanship and heritage. For Mandava, the opportunity is both a professional breakthrough and a significant cultural moment, as she becomes the first Indian model to lead one of the brand's high-profile shows.

The achievement has resonated widely. On December 3, she shared a video of her parents watching the show, visibly emotional as they saw their daughter open the runway. The clip quickly gained attention, highlighting how her milestone has struck a chord with audiences in India and abroad.

Mandava's rise offers a refreshing narrative in an industry often noted for limited access and representation. Her transition from architecture and design research to international runways underscores a growing shift within global fashion, where diverse backgrounds and unconventional paths are gaining visibility.

With this milestone, Mandava has established herself as a promising new face on the international fashion scene.