Last month, we heard rumors about Blake Lively taking on the role of brand ambassador for a Chanel handbag line.  We speculated that it may be for the Chanel Coco Cocoon collection with Blake following in the footsteps of Lily Allen and Vanessa Paradis.  Instead, WWD has just reported that Blake Lively is the face of a new line of Chanel handbags – the Mademoiselle bag.

First seen in the Chanel 2010/2011 Cruise show, the Mademoiselle bag is an oblong shaped bag featuring the brand’s signature quilting, chain strap and double-C logo.  Available in an array of colors and fabrics (cloth jersey, lambskin, calfskin, alligator, satin and shagreen), the bag retails for $2,000 – $3,300 for base ranges and over $30,000 for exotic skins.

Karl shot the campaign in Paris at the historic 31 Rue Cambon on the storied Chanel mirrored staircase that Mademoiselle herself would sit and watch her collection shows.  When asked why he chose Blake Lively, Karl stated:  “She’s full of life…She’s a kind of American dream girl…I think she will become a great actress.”

The ads for the new Chanel Mademoiselle bags will begin to surface in April 2011 magazines – I can’t wait to see the campaign!