New Delhi: Paris Fashion Week witnessed a striking Indian moment as Bhavitha Mandava, Lakshmi Menon and Mona Bhujel took over the Chanel runway at the Grand
Palais in Paris. The three Indian models walked for Matthieu Blazy’s Spring/Summer 2027 women’s ready-to-wear showcase on October 5, each presenting a distinctly different interpretation of the French fashion house’s signature codes.
Blazy presented 83 looks for the collection, drawing from the style legacy of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel while giving familiar house elements a contemporary update. Sheer fabrics, sculptural florals, tweed, checks, delicate silks and unexpected colour combinations all found their way onto the runway.
Amid the expansive lineup, Bhavitha, Lakshmi and Mona stood out in looks numbered 10, 61 and 17, respectively. From Bhavitha’s dramatic black florals to Lakshmi’s refreshing pistachio green and Mona’s sheer-meets-gingham styling, the trio offered three very different moods.
Bhavitha Mandava blooms in sculptural black
Bhavitha Mandava, Chanel’s first Indian House Ambassador, stepped onto the runway in look number 10, wearing one of the more dramatic black ensembles from the collection. The dress transformed floral detailing into something almost architectural. Large sculptural rose forms were pieced together across the outfit, creating an asymmetrical silhouette with strategically placed cut-outs. Below, the fabric fell fluidly along her frame, balancing the dramatic construction on top with softer movement.
Rather than keeping the accessories dark, the look was styled with an ice-blue Chanel clutch that provided an unexpected pop of colour. Sandals and earrings completed Bhavitha’s runway styling. The result was romantic without feeling overly delicate, with Blazy using roses not merely as decoration but as part of the dress’s construction.
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Lakshmi Menon makes a case for pistachio green
If Bhavitha’s outfit brought drama, Lakshmi Menon’s look number 61 offered a lighter palette. The model wore a pearl-white sleeveless silk blouse featuring a gold chain accent around the neckline. It was teamed with a pistachio-green skirt finished with gold detailing and jewel-like buttons. A broad white belt cinched the waist and brought definition to the softer separates. Chanel sandals and a clutch were added to the ensemble, while the house’s instantly recognisable tweed language appeared through the jacket styled with the look. The combination of pearl white, soft green and gold gave the outfit an elegant freshness while retaining unmistakable Chanel touches.
Mona Bhujel plays with sheer fabric and gingham
Mona Bhujel’s look number 17 took a different route altogether, mixing sensual sheer fabric with the more traditional appeal of checks. She walked in a sheer black blouse featuring slim spaghetti straps and gathered detailing across the torso. A floral element positioned at the bust added another texture to the otherwise delicate top.
Instead of pairing the sheer blouse with an equally minimal bottom, the styling moved towards gingham. Mona wore a checked skirt with a coordinating jacket, creating a playful contrast between transparency and a pattern more commonly associated with classic daywear. A leather belt helped pull the separates together, while a classic Chanel handbag and booties completed her runway look.
Together, the three Indian models showcased the range of Blazy’s collection. Bhavitha represented its sculptural side, Lakshmi brought soft colour and polished femininity, while Mona demonstrated how familiar Chanel-inspired dressing could be made more playful through sheer textures and checks.
Matthieu Blazy looks back to Gabrielle Chanel
Beyond its casting, Blazy’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection also looked back at the woman whose vision shaped the house. The designer drew inspiration from different stages of Gabrielle Chanel’s style evolution, using the label’s recognisable codes as a foundation rather than simply recreating archival looks.
Model Dyanira Hurbuscher reportedly opened and closed the show, carrying Gabrielle Chanel’s own 2.55 handbag from the archives, creating a symbolic link between Chanel’s history and Blazy’s interpretation of its future. The references extended beyond clothing. The show’s soundtrack featured Chanel brand ambassador Nicole Kidman reading extracts from Virginia Woolf’s Orlando and To the Lighthouse.
