Why were fans disappointed with Bhavitha Mandava's Met Gala outfit?

Fans were disappointed because Bhavitha Mandava wore a simple jeans-and-top ensemble, which they felt was too casual for the extravagant nature of the Met Gala.

Who styled Bhavitha Mandava for her Met Gala debut?

Bhavitha Mandava was styled by Chanel for her Met Gala debut.

What was the theme of the Met Gala in 2026?

The dress code for the Met Gala in 2026 was 'fashion is art'.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Met Gala Blunder: Model Wears Jeans to Extravagant Event

Met Gala Blunder: Model Wears Jeans to Extravagant Event

5 May

•

Summary

Model Bhavitha Mandava wore jeans and a top to the Met Gala 2026.
The outfit choice disappointed fans who expected high fashion.
Chanel styled Mandava in a look referencing her scouting outfit.

Met Gala Blunder: Model Wears Jeans to Extravagant Event

Bhavitha Mandava, an emerging Indian model, made her Met Gala debut in 2026 wearing a Chanel-styled jeans-and-top outfit. This choice, intended to echo the attire she wore when discovered, drew significant online criticism.

Fashion fans expressed disappointment, feeling the casual look was inappropriate for the Met Gala's renowned extravagance and theatrical themes. The outfit also reportedly clashed with the event's 2026 dress code, 'fashion is art'.

Mandava, originally an architect from Hyderabad, was scouted in a New York subway station in 2024. Her career quickly ascended, leading to her opening a Chanel show in December 2025.

Despite the controversy surrounding her outfit, Mandava's appearance signifies a notable presence for Indian models on the global fashion stage, joining other Indian celebrities at the event.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.