How 25-year-old Bhavitha Mandava became the first to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 Show?

From Bhavitha Mandava‘s early years in Hyderabad to being discovered in a New York subway and eventually opening a Chanel runway, her path has been shaped by chance, steady effort and practical decision-making. With representation across major fashion cities including New York, Paris, Milan and London, she is gradually establishing herself in the global modelling space, not just as a viral moment, but as an emerging Indian model building a clear, long-term career. Let’s read what her story is…

Bhavitha Mandava Opens Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 Show

On a winter evening in New York, 25-year-old Bhavitha Mandava stepped onto the platform of Bowery Station to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show. It wasn’t just another runway; it was a full-circle moment.

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A post shared by Bhavitha Mandava (@bhavithamandava)

Her opening look mirrored the day she was discovered: jeans, a quarter-zip sweater, minimal styling, a gesture personally chosen by creative director Matthieu Blazy to honour the moment her story began. Soon after the show, a video of her parents reacting emotionally to her entrance went viral, crossing millions of views and marking a personal triumph alongside a professional milestone.

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A post shared by Bhavitha Mandava (@bhavithamandava)

Who Is Bhavitha Mandava?

Bhavitha was born and raised in Hyderabad, where she completed her Bachelor of Architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNIT). Academically driven, she later moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Assistive Technology and Human-Computer Interaction at New York University (NYU).

She had no plans of entering the fashion industry. She was focused on studies, part-time work and navigating a new life abroad. In fact, she often describes her family as her backbone during the most stressful periods, deadlines, campus jobs and the uncertainty of living away from home. Her Instagram posts reflect long semesters, self-doubt and gratitude for her parents’ support through every transition.

Despite her background in architecture and technology, Bhavitha’s features, height (5’9″) and striking presence made her stand out, even on an ordinary subway ride.

The Moment That Changed Everything

In October 2024, while travelling through a New York subway station, Bhavitha was approached by a scout connected to Matthieu Blazy. She initially declined, but reconsidered when told that modelling could help her manage her student debt. Two weeks later, she walked her first major runway, Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2025.

She returned for Blazy’s campaigns and later walked for Dior and Courrèges. When Blazy moved to Chanel, Bhavitha naturally followed as part of his casting. Her grounded personality, academic discipline, and fresh presence made her a natural fit for his narrative-driven runway style.

A Reverse-Chronological Timeline of Her Rise

2025–26: Chanel Métiers d’Art (New York)

• Becomes the first Indian model to open a Chanel show.
• Walks in a recreated version of her “discovery day” outfit.
• Parents’ reaction video goes viral, inspiring millions.

2025: Continues Studies While Modelling

• Completes her Master’s degree from NYU despite modelling abroad.
• Balances classes, campus work, heartbreak and travel.

2025: Runway & Campaigns

• Walks in Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel collection.
• Appears in Bottega Veneta campaigns and multiple Paris shows.

2024: Modelling Debut

• Scouted on a New York subway.
• First show: Bottega Veneta SS25, unaware initially of the brand’s significance.

2020–2023: Academic Journey

• Moves to New York for postgraduate studies.
• Works part-time while adapting to a new country.

Before 2020: Life in Hyderabad

• Completes her Bachelor of Architecture.
• Licensed architect with a strong academic record.
• Describes herself as coming from a modest, middle-class background.

Why Her Chanel Opening Matters

Opening a Chanel show is reserved for faces that carry narrative weight and emotional impact. It signals trust, visibility and historic placement in the global fashion industry. Bhavitha’s achievement is also a milestone for Indian representation in international fashion, one that many viewers described as a “personal win.”

She credits casting director Anita Bitton for championing inclusivity and calls the moment “just the beginning.”