At just 25, Bhavitha Mandava has made a remarkable leap from architect to global fashion star, creating history for India on the international runway. The Hyderabad-born talent’s journey is extraordinary, not only for her career switch but also for her serendipitous discovery. Scouted in a New York City subway, Bhavitha came full circle by opening Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show at the decommissioned Bowery subway station on December 2. She became the first Indian model to achieve this milestone, turning commuter style into high-glam fashion.
Mandava shared a video of her historic moment on social media, capturing a heartfelt glimpse of her parents witnessing the achievement. “Can’t put into words how much this means to me. Thank you @chanelofficial @matthieu_blazy,” she wrote on Instagram.
Her parents’ emotional reaction resonated worldwide, drawing praise not only from fans but also from Bollywood stars like Aditi Rao Hydari and Pooja Hegde, who celebrated her success in the comments.
From design student to fashion star
Bhavitha Mandava grew up in Hyderabad, India, excelling academically and earning a Bachelor of Architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, fueled by her passion for creativity and design. Seeking wider opportunities, she moved to the United States to pursue a master’s in assistive technology and human-computer interaction at New York University.
Despite her academic focus on architecture and technology, Bhavitha nurtured a quiet but persistent passion for fashion. Her modeling journey began in an unexpected way, while passing through a New York subway, she was scouted for Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2025 show. That encounter would change the course of her life, and just months later, she returned to another subway platform, this time opening one of the most iconic Chanel shows in history.