On March 6, 2026, Chanel announced Bhavitha Mandava, a 26-year-old Indian model, as its newest House Ambassador.
This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Mandava is the first Indian model to hold this title for Chanel. Her journey from an architecture student in Hyderabad to a global muse under creative director Matthieu Blazy began with her achievement as the first Indian to open a Chanel show.
Born in 2000 in Hyderabad, India, Mandava earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.
In 2023, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s in Integrated Design and Media, focusing on Human-Computer Interaction, at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. While managing her studies, a campus job, and internship applications, she was discovered by chance on a New York subway platform in 2024.
After being spotted by modeling scout Showin Bishop of 28Models during her commute, Mandava entered the fashion industry. Within two weeks, she debuted on the runway for Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, led by Matthieu Blazy.
This encounter began a creative partnership that continued when Blazy became creative director at Chanel, where Mandava debuted in his first collection.
Photo Courtesy In December 2025, Mandava opened Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 collection in New York City, held on a subway platform that reflected her discovery story. As the first Indian model to lead a Chanel show, she made history. A viral video of her parents cheering from home during the livestream highlighted the strong family support behind her success.
In January 2026, Mandava closed Blazy’s first Chanel haute couture show in a bridal look, further establishing her prominence. She has since appeared on the covers of British Vogue (March 2026) and i-D, where her positive presence has been widely recognized.
Photo Courtesy Chanel Spring 2026 Couture during Paris Fashion Week
Chanel’s appointment of Mandava as House Ambassador continues the brand’s tradition of selecting outstanding models as representatives. She joins a roster that includes Inès de la Fressange, Claudia Schiffer, Margot Robbie, Jennie Kim, and Timothée Chalamet.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Mandava expressed her deep connection to the brand:
Creative director Matthieu Blazy echoed this sentiment, praising her qualities in the official announcement:
“CHANEL has long stood as a symbol of the modern working woman in motion, a spirit I deeply resonate with and am proud to embody.
Matthieu’s vision for the house brings a genuine sense of joy, thoughtfully balanced with reverence for its legacy. I’m truly honored to be part of this new chapter at CHANEL and to join as an ambassador for a house that holds a special place in my heart.”
“Since we met, Bhavitha has never ceased to amaze me. Smart, down-to-earth, she emanates a sense of deep joy. We are happy she will be part of this chapter with us at Chanel.”
Photo Courtesy This appointment highlights Chanel’s evolving direction under Blazy, combining the brand’s classic elegance with modern vitality and inclusivity. Mandava’s experience as a product designer and architect brings intellectual curiosity and a multidisciplinary approach to her role.
Mandava’s appointment represents progress for South Asian and Indian representation in the global fashion industry. As Chanel’s first Indian House Ambassador, she increases visibility and breaks barriers in a traditionally Eurocentric field. Her journey inspires aspiring talents by showing that significant opportunities can arise from everyday experiences.
As Mandava begins her role, the fashion industry looks forward to her contributions to Chanel’s campaigns, events, and collections. Her intelligence, humility, and positivity are expected to enrich the brand’s legacy and inspire future generations. By welcoming Bhavitha Mandava, Chanel gains an ambassador who embodies joy, resilience, and ambition.
