Chanel accused of ‘microaggression’ for Bhavitha Mandava’s Met Gala look
People had high expectations for Bhavitha Mandava’s look at the Met Gala as one of newest faces of Chanel and as their first Indian brand ambassador. Jaws dropped—not in awe, but in shock. Mandava wore a plain silk shirt and a bottom that resembled jeans.
Social media decried the choice from Chanel, as they had sent their brand ambassadors in glittering gowns to the event.
Why the choice from Matthieu Blazy, the creative director of Chanel? The pants were apparently not plain jeans off the rack but trompe l’oeil, in other words, an illusion. The silk muslin fabric was made to look like everyday blue jeans. Needless to say, the illusion was extremely effective, as everyone was convinced that Mandava was shoved to the spotlight with just jeans. The technique is definitely a masterpiece. If it were well executed, Chanel would be receiving high praise.
In defense of Chanel, the look on Mandava is a familiar one. She opened the Métiers d’Art 2026 show at Bowery Station in Manhattan, New York City, with roughly the same look. It’s the same color scheme and the same pair of “jeans.” But not everyone followed her backstory. Others didn’t care much of it, because regardless of the explanation, Mandava looked out of place.
Allegations of racism against Chanel
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking, as Miranda Priestly would say. Perhaps Chanel thought they did groundbreaking work by sending one of their notable models to the gala while wearing something unthinkable. Sometimes, different isn’t legendary—it’s just inconceivable, and that’s how social media felt about Mandava’s Chanel ensemble.
One X user comment reads, “It’s not like chanel ever gives their ambassadors interesting looks but they would NEVER send a white girl to an event like this in jeans. This is appalling.”
Another one from X wrote, “sending an Indian to the met in JEANS when she comes from a country very rich in art and culture is very telling…microaggression is under selling it.” Mandava, as an Indian woman, has a rich culture to pull inspiration from.
One social media user even pointed out in Portuguese, “and they made the other poor girl wear jeans?????? that has a name, you know.” A photo of brand ambassadors Jennie from Blackpink, Gracie Abrams, Lily-Rose Depp, and Margot Robbie posing in their Chanel gowns also got backlash. Although the internet was also not thrilled with the looks of the other ambassadors, they at least looked like they belonged in the event. If the brand could send these women in gowns, why send Mandava onto the carpet with highfalutin basic wear?
A pair of “fancy” jeans from Chanel is still just jeans
If it weren’t clear enough, social media is convinced that Mandava was done wrong. It’s an unexpected move from the fashion house, which currently has an Indian CEO. Perhaps it’s not a microaggression but a terrible way for Chanel to strike up a conversation online at the expense of one of their beloved models.
The concept in itself fell flat, as the Met Gala is known for its sea of gowns and tuxedos. Sending one of the brand’s faces in attire that resembles everyday clothing reads as an attempt to venerate mediocrity.
Mandava’s Met Gala debut was surprising, to say the least, and reeks of a missed opportunity. At a time where high fashion houses are being accused of borrowing cultural concepts without credit, Chanel could have collaborated with local artisans and created a piece that is both visually and socially impactful.
(featured image: models.)
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