Bhavitha Mandava’s 2026 Met Gala outfit saw the model head to toe in custom Chanel that had a story.
On Monday (May 4) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Indian model appeared to have been wearing denim jeans and a zip-up sheer nude blouse on the carpet, a stark contrast to the more grandiose looks. Upon closer look, Mandava was wearing tailored, lightweight pants and a silk top that replicated her Matthieu Blazy-designed look at the December 2025 Métiers d'art presentation. The look also resembles the outfit that Mandava was discovered in on the subway while attending NYU in 2024.
In a quick carpet chat with ELLE, Mandava shared her excitement about the final result of her attire.
"I feel like every design he makes has a very deep story to it," the model said. "Even this look that I'm wearing right now, which is my opening look that was inspired by my real-life look, and this is the couture version of it for Met Gala."
While some on social media criticized the look for not being as dramatic as outfits worn by other Met Gala attendees, what can’t be argued is that Mandava has made Chanel history. Along with appearing on a cover of British Vogue, the 26-year-old was named the first Indian house ambassador of Chanel in March.
“Chanel has always represented the spirit of the modern working woman in motion,” she said in a statement. “That’s something I deeply connect with, and I’m proud to embody it.”
