Who Is Bhavitha Mandava, First Indian Model To Open Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2026 Show?

Bhavika was scouted in the New York subway.

By Anadya Narain Updated December 06, 2025 9:45 PM

25-year-old Bhavitha Mandava, hailing from Hyderabad, has created history and made the entire nation proud through her recent career milestone. The model who was discovered unexpectedly in the New York history just became the first Indian model to pen Chanel’s prestigious Metiers d’Art 2026 show. This achievement is not only a grand one for Mandava but for the entire Indian modelling industry. Here’s everything you need to know about Bhavitha Mandava

Who Is Bhavitha Mandava

Bhavitha is a 25-year-old model who was born in Hyderabad. She pursued an architecture degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and later moved to New York to follow her passion for technology and innovation. There, Mandava enrolled in New York University’s master’s degree program for assistive technology and human–computer interaction.

Despite her strong interest in both architecture and technology, Bhavitha continued to have a strong interest in fashion, which ultimately landed her in the international spotlight.

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Her modelling journey, however, started unexpectedly. While taking the New York subway, she was scouted to walk for Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2025 collection. This was the moment that changed everything for the young model.

Recently, Bhavitha made history as she opened for the prestigious Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2026 Show. She walked in his first Spring 2026 collection and was selected to open his second Metiers d’Art showcase. The venue, Bowery Station in New York, held special significance, mirroring the subway platform where her modelling journey first began.

Bhavitha quickly established herself as one of Matthieu Blazy, the creative director of Chanel, the most reliable runway faces. In a complete cycle, she was chosen to open his second Metiers d’Art exhibition after walking in his first Spring 2026 collection. The location, Bowery Station in New York, was particularly significant because it mirrored the subway platform where her modelling career had started.

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The model also posted a clip of her parents reacting to seeing their daughter open the Chanel show joyfully. The reel instantly went viral, with comments being flooded with congratulatory messages.