From subway to spotlight: 5 reasons Bhavitha Mandava signals high fashion’s return to authenticity
An architect, a New York subway station and a landmark Chanel show. As the first Indian model to open the prestigious Métiers d'Art collection, Bhavitha Mandava’s unexpected ascent isn’t just a remarkable fairy tale. In an industry saturated by celebrity and influencer casting, her poetic rise can be seen as a powerful, tangible sign that fashion’s most revered houses are ready to champion genuine muses once again.
The 25-year-old trained architect from Hyderabad, was simply waiting for a train. She was not auditioning, nor was she angling for attention. She was, quite beautifully, just existing. It was in this moment of unfiltered reality that a casting agent, who works closely with designer Matthieu Blazy, spotted her. This quickly led to her being cast for Blazy’s show at Bottega Veneta, and ultimately, as the very first Indian woman to open the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2026 show.
For years, the runway has often prioritised commercial clout, favouring models with massive social media followings or established celebrity lineage. But this season, a singular, stunning narrative has cut through the noise: the story of Bhavitha Mandava. Her story is the shot of unexpected authenticity that luxury needed and signals a welcome return to the concept of the true muse—the individual whose sheer uniqueness is enough to inspire an entire collection.
For those who believe fashion should be an art form, this is a moment to celebrate. Here are five reasons why Mandava’s breakthrough is rewriting the rules of the runway.
The power of being discovered organically
Bhavitha was spotted by a casting agent while in transit on the New York subway in October 2024 (Photo: Chanel)
Bhavitha’s career is built entirely upon a delightful, pure accident. She was spotted by a casting agent while in transit on the New York subway in October 2024. Within weeks after meeting Blazy, Bhavitha walks the runway for Bottega Veneta and takes part in their Spring/Summer 2025 campaign. After runway shows for Dior and Courrèges, she was reunited with Blazy at Chanel and walked the runway for his first collection for the maison. And of course, she later opened Métiers d’Art, casually breaking the internet while doing so.
The Chanel show was held in a decommissioned section of the Bowery Station, the New York subway location providing a poignant, full-circle moment. By having her open the show in a simple ensemble that is said to have echoed her discovery attire (a zip-up sweater and jeans), Blazy consciously chose to celebrate real-life inspiration.
Continued Asian representation
By opening the Chanel Métiers d’Art collection, Bhavitha became the first Indian model to achieve this feat (Photo: Chanel)
Her achievement is yet another substantial milestone for diversity within the luxury fashion sphere. By opening the Chanel Métiers d’Art collection, Bhavitha became the first Indian model to achieve this feat—thus setting an unparalleled benchmark for South Asian models. This elevation to the highest echelon of the show—the opening slot—makes her a pioneer in her own right. It visibly broadens the scope of who can embody the modern Chanel woman, moving the conversation beyond conventional standards.
The return of the designer’s muse
Bhavitha’s rise is intrinsically linked to her creative bond with designer Matthieu Blazy. Her very first runway appearance was for Bottega Veneta under Blazy’s direction. Their initial collaboration cemented her status as his muse, leading directly to her subsequent role at Chanel when he transitioned there. This trajectory, from initial discovery and debut with Blazy at one fashion house (Bottega Veneta) to opening his collection at another (Chanel), reveals a depth of creative faith.
From architect to runway model
Unlike many models whose careers began in their teens, Bhavitha came to the industry as a young adult with a life, a profession, and advanced academic credentials. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad and a Master’s degree in assistive technology/human-computer interaction from New York University (NYU). This intellectual foundation offers depth and maturity that separates her from her peers as she is equipped with an understanding of form, structure and space—just like a designer.
The viral validation of family pride
While the fashion itself was phenomenal, what got people’s attention as well was the moving moment of shared joy. Bhavitha shared a video of her parents watching the livestream from Hyderabad, their tears of pride instantly transforming a high-fashion spectacle into a universally relatable story of family achievement. The clip went viral with millions of views.
This viral response gave audiences across the globe an essential human element in a notoriously closed-off industry, reminding everyone that behind the couture, there is a real, supportive family celebrating an extraordinary, unexpected success.
NOW READ
Watches and Wonders 2025: This is how Chanel used a secret watch to seal time with a kiss
Aishwarya Rai, Janhvi Kapoor and more: Bollywood stars at Paris Fashion Week