For a luxury world saturated by celebrity and influencer casting, Bhavitha Mandava’s poetic rise is not just a fairy tale—it’s a powerful, tangible sign that the industry’s most revered houses are ready to champion genuine muses once again.
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)
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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.
