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Bhavitha Mandava is a 26-year-old architect-turned-model from Hyderabad, who rose to fame after becoming the first Indian model to both open and close a Chanel runway show.
French President Emmanuel Macron at India AI Impact Summit 2026.
During his three-day official visit to India, the French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a powerful speech in Mumbai on February 18, spotlighting India’s growing influence on global leadership and innovation.
Speaking at the India–France Innovation Forum, he praised Indian-origin leaders heading some of the world’s biggest multinational companies, reinforcing India’s expanding global footprint.
From Global CEOs to Fashion Icons: India’s Rising Influence
While addressing the audience, Macron referenced Indian-origin CEOs leading major corporations, from IBM to Microsoft. He also made special mention of Leena Nair, who hails from Kolhapur and has been steering Chanel since January 2022. Nair has now completed four years at the helm of the iconic French luxury brand.
Bhavitha Mandava Gets a Presidential Shoutout
What truly stood out, however, was Macron’s unexpected mention of Bhavitha Mandava, a 26-year-old architect-turned-model from Hyderabad. Bhavitha rose to international fame after becoming the first Indian model to both open and close a Chanel runway show.
“And the CEO of Chanel, one of the most iconic houses in France, is Leena Nair – from Kolhapur, right here in the state. And if I would add to that, three months ago, Matthieu Blazy, Chanel’s new creative director, chose a young woman from Hyderabad, Bhavitha
Mandava, to open his show in New York, and she was the first Indian model ever to open a Chanel runway,” Macron said.
Discovered on a Subway, Celebrated on the World Stage
Adding to her cinematic rise, Macron also highlighted how Bhavitha was discovered. “She was discovered on the subway platform and she walked into a subway station in front of the world. So India does not just participate in global innovation, India leads it from Silicon Valley,” he added.
Bhavitha’s journey feels straight out of a film script. Just over a year ago, she was a student at New York University, navigating daily life in New York City. In October 2024, she was spotted by a talent scout on the subway — a moment that changed her life overnight.
From Architecture to Vogue Covers
Modelling was never part of Bhavitha’s original plan, but since being scouted, her career has skyrocketed. She has walked some of the world’s most prestigious runways and recently appeared on the cover of British Vogue, marking another milestone in her fast-rising career.
Now, with recognition from a world leader like Emmanuel Macron, Bhavitha Mandava’s story stands as a global symbol of Indian talent, chance, and possibility converging on the world stage.
February 21, 2026, 11:01 IST
