During the 2026 Met Gala, Indian model Bhavitha Mandava, who made history as the first Indian to open a Chanel show, wore a simple outfit that sparked significant backlash online. Instead of a dramatic couture piece, she donned a loose pale beige chiffon shirt paired with light blue high-waisted jeans, complemented by Chanel's classic slingback heels and diamond earrings. While some praised the minimalistic style, many criticized Chanel for not providing a more memorable look for her debut at such a prestigious event. Critics argued that Bhavitha's outfit felt like a microaggression, especially in contrast to the extravagant ensembles worn by other celebrities. Emotional responses from social media users highlighted feelings of disappointment and perceived racism, with comments suggesting that the brand failed to recognize the importance of this moment for Indian representation in global fashion. As of now, Chanel has not responded to the criticism but has shared photos of Bhavitha's look on its Instagram Stories.