New Delhi: Indian model Bhavitha Mandava, from Hyderabad, has created history by opening Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2026 show in New York City, becoming the first Indian model ever to open a runway for Chanel. The 25-year-old Bhavitha walked the ramp on a subway platform in the city, highlighting the latest collection by Chanel.
The show took place inside Manhattan’s Bowery subway station, which creative director Matthieu Blazy chose as the venue for his first Métiers d’Art presentation for the house.
Bhavitha Mandava – First Indian to open show for Chanel
Bhavitha is a 25-year-old student studying architecture in India before she moved to the United States to continue assistive technology at New York University (NYU). Mandava had never thought of modelling until she got discovered publicly and gained fame with her ramp walk.
Mandava made her debut in modelling and fashion in August 2024, where she was scouted by Showin at a New York City subway platform. Within two weeks, she was cast as exclusive for Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2025 show under the creative director Matthieu Blazy, a rarest of sight for such a fresh model. She went on to appear in the Bottega Veneta Campaign, further making her way as an emerging talent pool.
When Blazy became Chanel’s artistic director, Mandava joined the small group of models he regularly worked with. She walked in his early ready-to-wear shows, and later he selected her to open the Métiers d’Art 2026 show — one of Chanel’s most important annual showcases that honours its craft studios.
Opening a show is a major moment for any model, as it reflects the designer’s trust in her to set the mood and represent the entire collection.
The Metiers d’Art show took place inside a decommissioned section of the Bowery subway station, turned into a beautiful setup with lighting, tiled columns, and vintage signage intact. Among many guests, Kristen Stewart, Ayo Edebiri, and A$AP Rocky were brought to the underground venue for the talent showcase.