Bhavitha Mandava
| Bhavitha Mandava | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bhavitha Mandava Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Indian |
| 💼 Occupation | Fashion model |
| 📆 Years active | 2024–present |
| Known for | First Indian model to open a Chanel runway show |
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Bhavitha Mandava is a fashion model who gained international recognition after becoming the first Indian model to open a Chanel runway show.
Early life and education
Mandava was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She completed a Bachelor of Architecture at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. She later moved to the United States and pursued graduate studies at New York University, where she studied integrated design and media.[1]
Career
Mandava is considered a Cinderella story. She was still a student at NYU when scouted by Showin Bishop (founder of 28Models) while riding on a New York subway. She was on her way to meet a friend at Hyderabadi Zaiqa, who offered to cheer her up with a meal after learning that Mandava was homesick and stressed from job interviews. [2] When approached, Mandava initially told Bishop she did not want to be a model. Later, over email, Bishop was able to convince her that modeling could help her pay for student debt.[3] She subsequently signed with international modeling agencies and began working with major fashion houses.
She made her runway debut as an exclusive model for Bottega Veneta, at one of then-creative director Matthieu Blazy's last shows for that house.
Mandava had never heard of Bottega before doing their casting call. “I didn’t know his name,” Ms. Mandava told NYT in a 2025 interview. “I never was able to afford any of these brands, never was interested either. I just did not know.”[2]
Later, she walked for other luxury brands, including Dior.[1]
In December 2025, Mandava opened Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 runway show in New York City. The Chanel show opening was held in a subway, with clothing inspired by what Mandava was wearing by Bishop when she was discovered.[2] This event made her the first Indian model to open a Chanel show.[4] The opening position is considered a leading role in a runway presentation, and her appearance received widespread international media coverage.[5]
Modeling internationally on weekends, Mandava continued attending classes and working as a lab coordinator at NYU on weekdays. Mandava graduated in May 2025.[2]
Recognition
Mandava’s Chanel appearance was reported by international fashion and news publications, which highlighted both her career trajectory and the broader significance of Indian representation in global luxury fashion.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "7 Things You Need To Know About Bhavitha Mandava". Vogue Hong Kong.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Bhavitha Mandava Opens Chanel". The New York Times. December 16, 2025.
- ↑ "First Indian model to open a Chanel runway: Bhavitha Mandava, NYU Tandon alumna". Brooklyn Eagle.
- ↑ "Who is Bhavitha Mandava, the 25-year-old who became the first Indian model to open Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2026 show". The Economic Times.
- ↑ "Hyderabad's Bhavitha Mandava makes global fashion history". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Who Is Bhavitha Mandava, the First Indian Model to Open a Fashion Show for Chanel?". Vogue Arabia.
References
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