At just 25, with two college degrees and a modeling career that began by chance on the New York subway, Bhavitha Mandava is rewriting fashion’s rules.

Fate works in mysterious ways—and Bhavitha Mandava knows this better than most. The 25-year-old model, born and raised in India and now an NYU graduate, became the first Indian model ever to open a Chanel fashion show. And fittingly, the landmark moment took place in the New York City subway—the very place where her modeling journey began just one year earlier.

Mandava originally had no plans to enter the fashion world. After completing a bachelor’s degree in architecture in India, she moved to New York to pursue a master’s in Interactive Design and Media at NYU. But one ordinary commute changed everything. While riding the subway, she was noticed—either by Matthieu Blazy himself, or by someone close to him. At the time, Blazy was the creative force at Bottega Veneta, and he saw in Mandava something compelling enough to suggest she consider modeling.

That chance encounter transformed her life. Within weeks, Mandava made her runway debut for Bottega Veneta, followed by appearances in the brand’s campaigns. Dior and Courrèges soon followed. And when Blazy arrived at Chanel, Mandava did too—walking in his first collection for the house.

This season, she returned in a history-making role, opening the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2025/2026 show, held inside a New York City subway station. It was a full-circle moment that cemented her status as one of fashion’s most exciting new faces.

Courtesy of Chanel

From a chance encounter underground to the world’s most prestigious runways, Bhavitha Mandava’s rise is a reminder that sometimes destiny finds you in the unlikeliest places—even on your daily commute.