Bhavitha Mandava Makes History As First Indian To Open A Chanel Show; Parents’ Emotional Reaction Goes Viral - PUNE PULSE

Indian Models Are Ruling Global Runways; Meet The Women Who Led The Way

The world watched in awe as Bhavitha Mandava made history by opening the Chanel show in New York. And with no doubt, it will be touted as a notable moment in India’s place in global fashion. However, there also exists a legacy of lesser-known Indian models and supermodels who reigned over global runways and paved the way for today’s milestones. Anjali Mendes The first, in many ways, was Anjali Mendes. Born as Phyllis Mendes, she grew up in a Goa…

Bhavitha Mandava Makes History As First Indian To Open A Chanel Show; Parents’ Emotional Reaction Goes Viral - PUNE PULSE

The Hyderabad-born model’s milestone moment at Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show moves the internet, as she shares her unlikely journey from graduate student to global runway star. Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old model from Hyderabad, has created history by becoming the first Indian to open a Chanel show. The landmark moment unfolded in New York City

First Indian Model to Open a Chanel Runway: Bhavitha Mandava's Subway-to-Spotlight Journey

When Bhavitha Mandava descended the stairs of the Bowery Station on December 2, 2025, opening Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 collection, she completed one of fashion’s most poetic full-circle moments. The 25-year-old was walking in an abandoned New York City subway station—the same underground setting where, just over a year earlier, she had been discovered by Matthieu Blazy while standing on a platform as a graduate student focused on assistive te…