In a landmark moment for Indian fashion, Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old from Hyderabad, has etched her name in global style history. She became the first-ever Indian model to open a show for the iconic luxury house, Chanel.
From NY Subway to Chanel Runway: A Meteoric Rise
The historic walk took place for Chanel's Métiers d'art 2025-26 collection in New York, designed by creative director Matthieu Blazy. This marked Chanel's first show in the city since 2018. Bhavitha opened the presentation, which was set on a subway platform beside a parked train, dressed in a chic beige quarter-zip sweater and classic denim jeans.
Remarkably, Bhavitha's foray into modelling began just over a year ago. In October 2024, she was scouted by someone on the New York subway while she was a student. Before this, she was a licensed architect and product designer. She completed her bachelor's in architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad and later earned a master's degree in Integrated Design and Media and Human-Computer Interaction from New York University (NYU) in 2025.
Architect-Turned-Model's Humble Beginnings
In an interview with Harper's Bazaar India, Bhavitha revealed her initial nervousness and unfamiliarity with the high-fashion world. "I grew up middle-class in India, so this world was completely new to me," she said. She credited her parents as her biggest champions for their unconditional support, even when they didn't fully understand the modelling industry.
Bhavitha is not entirely new to Blazy's vision. She had previously walked for his Chanel debut show in Paris in October and had also collaborated with him during his tenure at Bottega Veneta.
A Family's Joy and a Nation's Pride
The emotional pinnacle of her achievement was sharing the moment with her family. After the show, Bhavitha posted a video reaction of her parents, who were overwhelmed with joy and seen tearfully cheering as she descended the steps of Bowery Station onto the runway. "I still remember calling my dad after my first ever show, completely stunned," she recalled in her earlier interview.
Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, she wrote, "Can't put into words how much this means to me. Thank you, Chanel." Her journey from a middle-class upbringing in Hyderabad to opening for one of the most prestigious fashion brands in the world serves as an inspiring tale of talent, opportunity, and groundbreaking achievement.
