There are some moments in fashion history when the feeling inside a room is only possible to describe from those who were there. During John Galliano’s time at Dior, for example, the creative director would create an atmosphere for the models before sending them onto the runway, completely in character. Or Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 1999 collection titled No.13, where the finale famously moved the audience—and Lee himself—to tears. These are the stories that are passed down during a designer’s legacy, and at Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel debut last week, even for those watching on from the audience, Lyas’ watch party, and our sofas, there was a collective feeling that something special was taking place backstage that day.
Then a TikTok video went viral. Bhavitha Mandava, a model, NYU student, and emerging architect, recorded herself crying happy tears backstage after the Blazy's debut for Chanel, alongside her fellow castmates, producers, and people from the Chanel design team. She captioned the ending, “Chanel is in great hands," in a tribute to the familial environment that the new artistic director had already created during his short time at the house. Mandava spent most of her time in Paris as fit model for the house as they prepared for the show, which had a noticeably diverse cast this season; it was only the third show in Chanel history to close with a Black model and the first to feature two Indigenous Australian models. “When a creative director leads with inclusivity and heart, it shows.” Mandava tells Coveteur.
Ahead, we caught up with Mandava post-show to debrief on what the backstage atmosphere was really like, that viral video, and Blazy’s new era at Chanel.
@mandavabhavitha Matthieu Blazy made us all feel like one big family, and for the first time, I truly felt part of something monumental. Endless gratitude to him, the entire Chanel team, Anita Bitton and Aurelie for making this experience unforgettable. 🤍@ChanelOfficial ♬ original sound - mandavabhavitha
You’ve worked with Matthieu Blazy previously at Bottega Veneta. How did it feel to continue your working relationship at Chanel?
“Exactly a year ago, I started modeling, and Matthieu Blazy was the first person I ever worked with. I had been scouted in a subway station just a week before meeting him. I had no prior experience, but the moment I met Matthieu, he believed in me completely. From my first runway to my first campaign, he created a life I could never have dreamed possible. It’s such an honor to follow him to Chanel and continue this journey together.”
Tell us about what the atmosphere was like backstage…
“I’ll be honest, I was nervous. When I first started modeling, I didn’t know much about the brands I worked with, even though they were major names in fashion. I grew up middle-class in India, so this world was completely new to me. Back then, I could stay calm by telling myself, I’ve done harder things in life. But Chanel felt different. I had known the brand long before entering the industry, and walking in the show was an unforgettable, purely magical experience. Right after the show, everyone backstage shared an emotional moment, with lots of hugs and a few tears.”
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What was your highlight?
“This fashion week was incredibly special because I was a worldwide exclusive for Chanel. I spent most days at 31 Rue Cambon as one of seven fitting models, and it truly felt like becoming part of a family. My favorite part of this season was the bond I formed with the other models and the team. We came from every corner of the world and somehow found each other under one shared vision. When a creative director leads with inclusivity and heart, it shows. [I have] so much love to Matthieu for creating that space.”
What’s something you wish people who weren’t at the show got to see?
“I wish people could see how incredible Matthieu Blazy and the team at Chanel are. Their kindness and warmth have genuinely touched my heart and will always be cherished. Their extraordinary talent and the attention to detail shine through in every aspect of their work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced their craft and to have shared this journey with them.”
