Indian model Bhavitha Mandava has been named a house ambassador for Chanel, becoming the first Indian model to receive the title at the iconic French fashion house. The announcement marks a notable moment for Indian representation in global luxury fashion, an industry that has gradually begun to feature more South Asian faces on international runways and campaigns.
Mandava shared the news with her followers on Instagram on March 7, reflecting on what the milestone means to her. “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. Matthieu’s vision for the house brings a genuine sense of joy, thoughtfully balanced with reverence for its legacy,” she wrote.
She continued, “I’m truly honoured to be part of this new chapter at CHANEL and to join as an ambassador for a house that holds a special place in my heart.”
Mandava first walked for Chanel during designer Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection for the house last season. She later made history as the first Indian model to open a Chanel show when she led the Métiers d’Art presentation in New York City in December.
READ: Indian immigrant Bhavitha Mandava’s Chanel debut becomes a viral celebration for desi community (December 11, 2025)
In January, the 26 year old model also closed the Chanel haute couture show in a bridal look, strengthening her presence on the global fashion stage. Since then, she has appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines, including British Vogue and i-D.
Chanel has a long history of appointing prominent models as ambassadors for the house. Over the years, figures such as Inès de la Fressange, who became closely associated with the collections of Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s, and Claudia Schiffer, one of the brand’s most recognizable faces in the early 1990s, have represented the label.
Mandava’s entry into fashion, however, came unexpectedly. While pursuing a master’s degree in integrated design and media at New York University Tandon School of Engineering, she was noticed by a modeling scout on the subway. Within two weeks, Matthieu Blazy, who was then serving as creative director of Bottega Veneta, cast her in a runway show, setting in motion a career that has now led to one of fashion’s most prestigious roles.
READ: ‘Cannot accept dusky skin tone’: Chanel star Bhavitha Mandava on India’s colorism (February 13, 2026)
In a recent interview with British Vogue during her cover shoot, Mandava spoke openly about the issue of colorism in India. She reflected on her own experiences and highlighted the long standing bias around skin tone that continues to influence how beauty is perceived in the country.
For decades, lighter skin has often been promoted as the preferred standard across advertising, cinema, and everyday social attitudes, while darker or dusky complexions have frequently been sidelined or seen as less desirable. Mandava’s comments brought renewed attention to how deeply these ideas remain embedded in popular culture.