Bhavitha Mandava Made Runway History: Chanel’s Casting!!
Beyond Beauty: The Meticulous Process Behind Selecting a Chanel Show Opener
Bhavitha Mandava has not just walked a runway; she has opened a new chapter in fashion history. The twenty-five-year-old model from Hyderabad became the first Indian model ever to open a show for the venerable French luxury house, Chanel. This monumental debut at the Métiers d’Art 2026 show in New York is a powerful landmark for diversity and inclusion, signaling a long-overdue shift in global high fashion’s casting decisions.
Stepping out of a stationary train car, Mandava set the tone for the entire collection with an ensemble that defined casual, understated luxury. Her look—a chic, comfortable beige quarter-zip sweater paired with classic denim jeans—was an intentional homage to the simple, unassuming outfit she wore the day she was first spotted. This full-circle moment perfectly symbolizes his vision of blending the brand’s heritage with a modern, global, and inclusive narrative.
By – Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari, Chief Editor, http://indiainput.com
Blazy, the Franco-Belgian designer who took the reins at Chanel after a highly successful tenure at Bottega Veneta, designed the collection. The setting for this historic event was deliberately poetic: the show was staged within Manhattan’s Bowery subway station, the very place where Mandava was first discovered by a scout just over a year ago.
bhavitha mandava just made history as the first indian model to open a chanel show — welcome fashion’s new it girl! 👛 pic.twitter.com/4hKCiyaZEm
— ✰ (@flyestdesi) December 5, 2025
Bhavitha Mandava has etched her name into the annals of fashion history, achieving a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first Indian model ever to open a show for the iconic French luxury house, Chanel. This monumental moment transcends a simple runway appearance; it is a powerful statement on diversity and inclusion on the global stage, shattering historical barriers and opening new doors for South Asian representation in high fashion.
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The Intricate Process of Model Selection
The selection of a model, especially one chosen to open a show for a house as prestigious as Chanel, is a meticulous and highly strategic process driven by creative vision and market dynamics. It goes far beyond mere physical appearance.
Casting Call and Brief: The process begins with the Casting Director, who receives a detailed brief from the designer (or Creative Director) outlining the “muse”—the personality, attitude, and aesthetic required to embody the season’s collection. The brief often specifies height, age, specific look, and most importantly, the vibe of the model.
The “It” Factor and Brand Fit: Models like Bhavitha Mandava possess a unique “It” factor—a combination of distinctive features, runway presence, and a palpable charisma that makes them instantly memorable. For a luxury brand like Chanel, the chosen model must also align seamlessly with the house’s established legacy and image—classic, elegant, and revolutionary. Mandava’s opening role suggests the brand sees her as the perfect embodiment of their modern, global direction.
Runway Walk and Professionalism: During the casting, models are judged rigorously on their runway walk—their ability to convey the garment’s essence with confidence and grace. Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work collaboratively under high pressure are also non-negotiable requirements for securing a high-profile spot.
Strategic Booking: Finally, the model who opens the show is usually a strategic choice. They are either a major star to generate buzz or, as in Mandava’s case, a powerful symbol of a new era, instantly communicating the brand’s commitment to change, relevance, and a global outlook. Mandava’s selection is a deliberate, calculated move that places her at the forefront of the industry’s evolving standards.
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