Watch: Bhavitha Mandava Makes History As First Indian To Open A Chanel Show; Parents’ Emotional Reaction Goes Viral
The Hyderabad-born model’s milestone moment at Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show moves the internet, as she shares her unlikely journey from graduate student to global runway star.
Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old model from Hyderabad, has created history by becoming the first Indian to open a Chanel show. The landmark moment unfolded in New York City at the Métiers d’Art 2026 presentation by Matthieu Blazy, where Bhavitha descended the staircase of Bowery Station to lead the runway, a role traditionally reserved for some of the world’s most established supermodels.
What made the achievement even more memorable was the presence of her parents, whose proud reactions were captured in a video that quickly went viral. As Bhavitha walked onto the runway, her mother can be seen cheering and calling out her name, while her father watches with quiet, emotional pride. The clip touched thousands online, including celebrities like Pooja Hegde, Rhea Kapoor and Aditi Rao Hydari, who responded with heart emojis.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, Bhavitha wrote that she could “never put into words” what it meant to have her family witness such a profound milestone.
Soon after the show, she appeared in a behind-the-scenes video with fashion creator Dylan Kelly, where she opened up about her unexpected entry into modelling. She revealed that she had been stopped by a scout on Atlantic Avenue, who asked if she wanted to model. Initially hesitant, she agreed only after hearing it could help her pay off her student loans. Her first job was for Bottega Veneta — a brand she admitted she didn’t recognise at the time. She realised its significance only when her classmates reacted in shock and excitement.
Bhavitha also spoke about being at a crossroads after completing her master’s degree at NYU, unsure whether to pursue a tech career or continue modelling. Her parents, she said, encouraged her to take the leap. When Chanel later offered her an exclusive contract, she decided to follow her instinct. “The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward,” she recalled thinking.
She credited Matthieu Blazy for helping her stay grounded before her debut, sharing that his advice to the models was simple — “just have fun.” She also thanked casting director Anita Bitton for championing representation in global fashion. The messages she has received from people who felt personally seen by her achievement, she said, have been overwhelming and deeply meaningful.
Calling the experience “just the beginning,” Bhavitha continues to reflect on the historic nature of her Chanel debut, a moment that has resonated far beyond the runway, marking a significant breakthrough for Indian representation in the global fashion world.
