When Bhavitha Mandava opened Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in a New York subway station, it marked another milestone in her growing relationship with the French maison. From walking for Bottega Veneta to being named a Chanel ambassador, the model has become a familiar face in Matthieu Blazy’s fashion universe.
But Mandava isn’t the only Indian model making her mark at Chanel. For the Spring/Summer 2027 season, Mona Bhujel and Lakshmi Menon joined her on the runway, bringing together different generations of Indian modeling talent under one of fashion’s most storied houses.
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A New Era of Indian Representation
Joining Mandava on the Chanel runway is Bangalore-based model Lakshmi Menon. One of India’s most successful models, Menon walked for Jean Paul Gaultier and Hermès in 2006, marking the beginning of her international career. At 44, she continues to challenge conventional expectations of the supermodel, returning to the runways of major fashion houses including Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel.
Meanwhile, Mona Bhujel, who made her Milan debut at Bottega Veneta for Spring/Summer 2023, made her Chanel debut this Spring/Summer 2027 season. She walked in a sheer black blouse with a floral embellishmentEmbellishmentDecorative detailing added to a garment or accessory, such as beading, sequins, crystals, embroidery, appliqué, feathers, or pearls. Embellishment adds texture, sparkle, and craftsmanship, and is especially prized in bridalGo to Embellishment Glossary at the center, paired with a gingham skirt and a matching jacket.
This marks a new chapter for Bhujel, bringing her into the orbit of one of fashion’s most influential houses.
Matthieu Blazy loves his South Asian models. And with Indian models continuing to take their place on fashion’s most storied runways, Chanel has become a stage for a broader shift in the industry. These women represent different chapters of Indian modeling, from established legacies to emerging milestones. It’s clear that, on the global stage, India’s presence only continues to grow.
Featured Image and Photos: CHANEL (via Instagram and Webite)
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhavitha Mandava, Mona Bhujel, and Lakshmi Menon walked for Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2027 season. Together they represent different generations of Indian modeling talent, from Menon’s established career to Bhujel’s Chanel debut and Mandava’s growing relationship with the maison as a Chanel ambassador.
Bhavitha Mandava is an Indian model who opened Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in a New York subway station. She has also walked for Bottega Veneta and been named a Chanel ambassador, and is a familiar face in Matthieu Blazy’s fashion universe.
Mona Bhujel is a model who made her Milan debut at Bottega Veneta for Spring/Summer 2023 and her Chanel debut for Spring/Summer 2027. She walked in a sheer black blouse with a floral embellishment at the center, paired with a gingham skirt and matching jacket.
Lakshmi Menon is a Bangalore-based model and one of India’s most successful, who began her international career walking for Jean Paul Gaultier and Hermès in 2006. At 44, she continues to return to runways including Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel.
According to MEGA, Chanel has become a stage for a broader shift in the industry, as Indian models take their place on fashion’s most storied runways. Mandava, Menon, and Bhujel represent different chapters of Indian modeling, from established legacies to emerging milestones.
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