Bhavitha Mandava is fashion’s newest name to watch, thanks in no small part to Chanel’s artistic director Matthieu Blazy and his bold, futuristic vision. The 25-year-old Indian model recently closed Blazy’s first Haute Couture show at Paris Couture Week, marking a major milestone in her fast-rising career. Dressed as a modern bride in a white feathered shirt and skirt ensemble, paired with a dramatic feathered headpiece and white stilettos, Mandava commanded the runway with effortless grace.
An architecture student at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, Mandava later moved to New York to pursue a Master of Science in Integrated Design and Media/Human-Computer Interaction at New York University. Before graduating in 2025, her life took an unexpected turn at the Atlantic Avenue subway station two years ago — a moment that would change everything.
In an Instagram post, Mandava revealed that she was approached by a scout from 28Models just two weeks before the Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2025 show. Initially hesitant, she turned down the offer. It was only after the scout explained how modelling could help her manage her student loans that she reconsidered.
Her photographs were sent to renowned casting director Anita Bitton, whom Mandava credits for opening doors for people of colour in the fashion industry. Bitton forwarded the images to Matthieu Blazy, then creative director at Bottega Veneta, who cast her almost immediately.
Mandava made her runway debut in September 2024, walking for Bottega Veneta in a white oversized shirt, pleated skirt, snake-print open-toe heels and a yellow handbag — a look that quickly caught industry attention.
When Blazy was appointed artistic director at Chanel, Mandava’s journey continued alongside him. She featured in his debut Spring/Summer 2026 show, wearing a black dress accented with gold tassels and pink feather detailing.
She also made history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show in December. Walking in a beige quarter-zip top, blue jeans, white heels and a brown bag, Mandava opened the show at an abandoned New York subway station — a symbolic setting that paid tribute to where her modelling journey began.
Behind the glamour lay relentless hard work. In an emotional Instagram post, Mandava shared how she balanced multiple responsibilities during her early days.
“After my debut, I worked mornings, attended classes in the evenings, did homework at night, and flew to Europe every weekend to model,” she wrote.
She also expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey — from professors and classmates to casting directors, creatives, friends and family.
“My parents never asked me to chase the extraordinary. They only wanted me to find happiness and peace in simplicity. Somehow, the extraordinary found me,” she added.
From a subway platform in New York to the grand runways of Paris, Bhavitha Mandava’s story is a testament to chance, courage and perseverance — and a reminder that global fashion’s spotlight is increasingly turning towards India.
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