Bhavitha Mandava's subway-to-runway rise earns Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia nod
Bhavitha Mandava has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list after a breakout year in fashion. Her rise from a New York subway to Chanel has been nothing but extraordinary.
From a New York subway ride to the world’s most glamorous runways, Bhavitha Mandava’s rise in fashion feels almost cinematic. The 26-year-old Indian model from Hyderabad has now added another feather in her style cap after being named in the latest Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, The Arts (Art and Style, Food and Drink) category — a recognition celebrating some of the region’s brightest young changemakers across industries.
In the coveted list, Bhavitha Mandava has been featured as one of the entries this year. The 11th edition of the prestigious list shines a spotlight on young innovators, creators and entrepreneurs redefining the future in an era increasingly shaped by AI, technology and cultural influence.
Just over a year ago, Mandava was a student in New York City, navigating everyday life like any other young woman. But one subway ride in October 2024 changed everything.
She was spotted by a modelling scout during her commute, and what followed was a whirlwind entry into the global fashion world.
In December 2025, she made history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Mtiers d’Art collection — a moment made even more significant as she walked as the muse of Matthieu Blazy, the acclaimed artistic director of the French fashion house. The achievement instantly placed her among fashion’s most talked-about new names.
Her relationship with Chanel only grew stronger. In March this year, Mandava was named a Chanel house ambassador, cementing her status as one of the brand’s rising global faces.
Soon after, she marked another career-defining moment with her debut appearance at the Met Gala in New York in May, stepping onto fashion's biggest nights. But that one appearance stirred quite a conversation.
But beyond runway milestones and luxury campaigns, Mandava’s story carries a deeper cultural resonance. Forbes recognised not just her success, but also the inspiration she represents for young Asians, especially young girls dreaming of entering these spaces.
“I think about brown girls who might feel that something has shifted in what they believe is possible for them. I know that feeling, because I've been that girl too,” Mandava said.
Alongside the young model, Varshne Balaji, 27-year-old founder of CRCLE, an eco-conscious menswear brand, was also mentioned in the same category.
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list was selected from nearly 4,000 nominations across the Asia-Pacific region. The final list features talents from 18 countries and territories, with India leading the tally with 78 honourees.
From a New York subway ride to the world’s most glamorous runways, Bhavitha Mandava’s rise in fashion feels almost cinematic. The 26-year-old Indian model from Hyderabad has now added another feather in her style cap after being named in the latest Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, The Arts (Art and Style, Food and Drink) category — a recognition celebrating some of the region’s brightest young changemakers across industries.
In the coveted list, Bhavitha Mandava has been featured as one of the entries this year. The 11th edition of the prestigious list shines a spotlight on young innovators, creators and entrepreneurs redefining the future in an era increasingly shaped by AI, technology and cultural influence.
Just over a year ago, Mandava was a student in New York City, navigating everyday life like any other young woman. But one subway ride in October 2024 changed everything.
She was spotted by a modelling scout during her commute, and what followed was a whirlwind entry into the global fashion world.
In December 2025, she made history as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Mtiers d’Art collection — a moment made even more significant as she walked as the muse of Matthieu Blazy, the acclaimed artistic director of the French fashion house. The achievement instantly placed her among fashion’s most talked-about new names.
Her relationship with Chanel only grew stronger. In March this year, Mandava was named a Chanel house ambassador, cementing her status as one of the brand’s rising global faces.
Soon after, she marked another career-defining moment with her debut appearance at the Met Gala in New York in May, stepping onto fashion's biggest nights. But that one appearance stirred quite a conversation.
But beyond runway milestones and luxury campaigns, Mandava’s story carries a deeper cultural resonance. Forbes recognised not just her success, but also the inspiration she represents for young Asians, especially young girls dreaming of entering these spaces.
“I think about brown girls who might feel that something has shifted in what they believe is possible for them. I know that feeling, because I've been that girl too,” Mandava said.
Alongside the young model, Varshne Balaji, 27-year-old founder of CRCLE, an eco-conscious menswear brand, was also mentioned in the same category.
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list was selected from nearly 4,000 nominations across the Asia-Pacific region. The final list features talents from 18 countries and territories, with India leading the tally with 78 honourees.
