The NYDailyNews reports that there's been "internal grumblings" at the French fashion house's American arm ever since Lively was appointed as the face of the handbag collection.  An anonymous source says the resistance comes from Lively's "off-brand look," which is an interesting way to say her all American good looks don't gel with the label's image of European elegance.

Funnily enough, it was that apple pie appeal that lured Karl Lagerfeld to sign the Gossip Girl actress in the first place. He was also very complimentary about working with her on the photo shoot, so it seems her position is safe despite the rumblings. What Karl says goes in the world of Chanel, after all.

Another insider confirmed as much, commenting that no employees working in Chanel's American offices would have any clout in advertising decisions. In fact, the source suggested the Chanel fat cats would "literally fire anyone who admits" to disapproving of Lively's role in the advertising campaign.

This isn't the first time the Chanel USA office has been skeptical about Lagerfeld's choice of model. Apparently they weren't too keen on Natalia Vodianova either. So are the Chanel USA workers just a pack of bitches, or do they have a point?

[Source: The NY Daily News]
[Image Source: Kristin dos Santos/Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Mademoiselle Bags on eBay

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When we heard Gossip Girl star Blake Lively would be the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle accessories we were confident she could hold her own. Now the ads have been released, and we're thrilled that this budding style icon has exceeded our expectations.

Starring in a Chanel commercial was apparently one of Blake Lively's great ambitions, and she turned down several modeling roles until the opportunity arose. Her detractors told her that Chanel only hires Europeans, but she didn't let that discourage her. We all know what they say about those who wait.

Chanel's creative director Karl Lagerfeld captured the sophisticated side of this bubbly blonde starlet. I love the way her signature gold locks have been given red highlights to complement the blood red Mademoiselle bag.

While I love the way Blake Lively looks in this ad, her presence isn't the only appealing part. The Mademoiselle bag she's carrying is stunning, with its scarlet finish and signature Chanel quilting. It doesn't stray too far from tradition, but it still feels fresh and on trend.

The new Chanel advertisements will appear in major fashion magazines all around the world this week. Are you impressed with Blake Lively's turn as fashion model?

[Source: The Glamazon Diaries]

Chanel Mademoiselle Bags on eBay

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The label's esteemed creative director Karl Lagerfeld took the photos himself at Chanel's Rue Cambon headquarters. We won't get to see the images until April, but it seems Lively's modeling turn meets The Big K's approval.

"She's a kind of American dream girl," he explained. "I think she will become a great actress. It was an easy job because everyone fell in love with her."

Vogue editor-at-large Anna Wintour introduced the unlikely pair at Paris Couture Week. Lagerfeld gave Lively a sneak peek of the new collection, never imagining where the encounter would lead.

"I took a photo of him so that I would never forget that moment. Never did I think six months later he would be photographing me," she gushed.

The Mademoiselle collection will feature five differently sized bags with distinctive rectangular shapes and Chanel's iconic chain handles and quilting. I can't wait to see them, and Blake Lively, in the new ads!

[Source: The Bag Lady]
[Image Source: Kristin Dos Santos/Wikipedia Commons]

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Blake Lively is certainly one of the new breed of style icons, and her presence is compelling enough to hold an advertising campaign. She's also got all the right connections. She's pals with Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who escorted her to the recent Chanel couture show in Paris. She met Karl Lagerfeld there, and perhaps talked business. I'm sure Wintour would have put in a good word for her too!

She's also been a regular at Chanel fashion shows, although she doesn't seem to turn down too many invitations so that probably doesn't say a lot!

What do you think about the rumors? Would you like to see Blake Lively fronting a Chanel handbag campaign, or can you think of someone better?

[Source: NY Mag]
[Image Source: Wikipedia Commons]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

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"I don’t know where this one has come from - other than from Blake being a fan of the Victoria Beckham collection," he said. "She is not Victoria's 'muse' and there is no 'face of' the advertising campaign."

The Gossip Girl starlet met the former Spice Girl during New York Fashion Week. She's been spotted wearing pieces from Victoria's collections both on and off screen, while Victoria just landed herself a plum role on Blake's drama series. The whispers of Blake's starring turn in the marketing campaign seemed such a natural fit considering how much their paths have crossed lately, but I guess some things aren't meant to be. Perhaps Victoria's people should reconsider though. Surely having Blake's endorsement would help boost the sales of Mrs. Beckham's brand!

[Source: Style By Me]
[Image Source: Kristin dos Santos/Wikipedia Commons]

Gossip Girl Bags on eBay

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Now rumors are spreading that Blake, a.k.a. Serena van der Woodsen, will be the new face of Victoria's fashion label for the upcoming spring 2010 collection. It actually isn't such an odd choice when you consider that the Gossip Girl wardrobe department is no stranger to VB's style and has featured the former-Spice Girl's designs on more than one occasion, not to mention her scheduled guest appearance on a future episode of the popular show.

With young and fresh Lively possibly set to star in an upcoming campaign, a new handbag and accessories line on the way, and a quickly rising number of celebrity fans, Victoria Beckham seems to have found her footing in the fashion world.

[Source: The Fash Pack]
[Image: Jas Chiang/Flickr]

Designer Handbags on eBay

Although I'm not a huge fan of the show or even a regular watcher, I do enjoy seeing stills of the filming and behind the scenes shots of the gals (and guys) in their designer duds. Who can help but envy the actors for their luxurious wardrobes?

One of the latest designer handbags to be spotted on the show is Be&D's Cosette satchel. We actually saw a glimpse of this revitalized bag in a recent review of the brand's fall 2009 collection. The fresh take on the bag is young, hip, and totally up Gossip Girl's alley.

The Cosette has been seen on the television show's set on the arms of both Blakey Lively (a.k.a. Serena van der Woodsen) and Joanna Garcia, a recent addition to the cast and rumored love interest of character Nate Archibald. Serena's Cosette will be in green python, but I much prefer Joanna Garcia's navy blue version.

[Source: California Style]
[Image: Purse Blog]

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