How was Bhavitha Mandava discovered by Chanel?

Bhavitha Mandava was discovered by chance by Chanel's team in a New York City subway.

What challenges did Ujjwala Raut face as an Indian model?

Ujjwala Raut faced designers who considered her 'too beautiful,' and the industry had limited Indian representation.

When did Indian models start walking for major fashion houses like Chanel?

While Ujjwala Raut walked for Yves Saint Laurent in the late 1990s/early 2000s, Bhavitha Mandava recently opened Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2025-26 show, marking a new milestone.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Indian Model's Accidental Discovery in NYC Subway Rocks Fashion

Indian Model's Accidental Discovery in NYC Subway Rocks Fashion

4 Jan

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Summary

Bhavitha Mandava was discovered by chance in a New York City subway last year.
She is the first Indian model to open Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2025-26 show.
Ujjwala Raut faced designers who deemed her 'too beautiful' for runway representation.

Indian Model's Accidental Discovery in NYC Subway Rocks Fashion

Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old Indian model, experienced a life-altering discovery by chance in a New York City subway last year. This serendipitous encounter with Chanel's artistic director, Matthieu Blazy, paved the way for her to become the first Indian model to open the Métiers d'Art 2025-26 show.

Mandava's journey began after moving to New York for studies, and her subsequent success on runways for brands like Bottega Veneta and Dior culminated in this prestigious opening for Chanel, staged poetically at the very subway station where she was found.

Reflecting on the industry's progress, veteran model Ujjwala Raut shares insights from her early career in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She recounts navigating an industry with limited Indian representation and facing unique challenges, including designers finding her 'too beautiful' for their campaigns.