Chanel has released the new ad campaign for its Coco Cocoon handbag range, starring French actress Vanessa Paradis.

Paradis, one of the brand’s ‘favorites,’ previously starred in Chanel’s commercials for the Coco fragrance in 1992 and Ligne Cambon handbags in 2004, and succeeds singer Lily Allen in the Coco Cocoon ads.

Chanel choosing Paradis is one of the few examples of luxe brands going for celebrities instead of models to represent their products this season.

Seems as if even Hermes is not recession-proof: according to shopping blog shefinds.com, a previously almost unattainable Hermes Birkin bag can now be bought by anyone — if you’re ready to spend $6,500 or more, that is.

The Birkin, one of the best-known statement bags, can cost up to six digits and is frequently worn by Hollywood A-listers.

“Then we called around to Hermès, and found out there is no more silly waiting list — they told us we could walk right in and get one today.”

HP Computers have announced their partnership with the upcoming Sex and the City movie sequel, whose star Sarah Jessica Parker will sport one of the company’s ‘digital clutches.’

Designed by Vivienne Tam — her Butterfly Lovers netbook premiered on her runway in 2008 — the handbag-sized mini computer will star as the columnist’s steady companion.

The electronics brand’s move follows several other attempts made by its rivals recently to lure fashion fans into the world of gadgets.

It looks like Louis Vuitton has scored three soccer deities for its next core values advertising spots, just in time for World Cup that kicks off in June in South Africa.

Diego Maradona, Zinédine Zidane and Pelé have posed for photographer Annie Leibovitz for a campaign that spotlights Vuitton’s monogram canvas bags.

To commemorate Bottega Veneta’s opening of a new boutique in Taipei, the luxury designer will come out with a limited edition knot handbag.

Named the Taipei Knot, this handbag will available exclusively through the new store; only 50 will be produced.

Sporting shades of york, cigar, and truffle the patchwork of the handbag comprises 25 separate pieces of leather.

The bags are inscribed with the words “Taipei 2010” on a sterling plate inside the clutch, and will be on sale exclusively at the Bellavita store.

French actress and star of the current Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick ads, Vanessa Paradis has been announced as the face for the brand’s new Coco Cocoon handbag campaign.

Paradis previously starred in Chanel’s commercials for the Coco fragrance in 1992 and Ligne Cambon handbags in 2004.

Former star of the Coco Cocoon ads, singer Lily Allen announced via the British Radio 1 last year that she was planning to take a time-out from music for ‘at least one or two years’ in order to pursue a fashion career.

Following her last concert for the time being, for which she joined rapper Dizzee Rascal at the London 02 Arena this past weekend, Allen plans to open a boutique called Lucy in Disguise