Bhavitha Mandava, Indian fashion model, has reached another major milestone in fashion after being named as the house ambassador for Chanel, creating history of becoming the first Indian model to receive the title from the French fashion house.
This marks an important moment not only in Bhavitha’s career but also for representation in the luxury fashion industry, which has slowly begun to embrace more South Asian faces on international runaways and campaigns.
“Chanel has long stood as a symbol of the modern working woman in motion, a spirit I deeply resonate with and am proud to embody,” she wrote on her instagram as she announces the news of becoming Chanel’s ambassador, adding that she felt honoured to join in the house at a time when it is entering a new chapter.
Her work with Chanel began on a runaway stage. In 2025, Bhavitha first walked for them during Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection. She then made history again by becoming the first Indian model to open a Chanel show when she led the Métiers d’art show in New York City in December.
Earlier this year, she further strengthened her presence on the global fashion stage when she closed Chanel’s haute couture show in a bridal look, often reserved for the most prominent faces of a fashion industry. Ever since then, she continued to gain recognition and appeared on the covers of major fashion publications, including British Vogue.
Beyond her rising success in the fashion world, Bhavitha has spoken openly about issues within the industry and society, on her experiences and reflecting on the long-standing bias around skin tone in beauty standards. With he addressing these issues while achieving global recognition, Bhavitha’s rise represents not only a personal achievement but a broader shift in the way beauty and representation are being viewed on the global stage.
Sources: American Bazaar Online
