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.

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

The first backstage video of Lily Allen’s Chanel new campaign have finally hit the web.

She was shot by Karl for a new Chanel handbag line, Chanel Coco Cocoon which brings a more fresh and playful mood to the classic French maison.

The bags are reversible and will be out in October.

The new handbag line Chanel Coco Cocoon fronted by Lily Allen will be available October 2009.

The bags are practical large sized and puffy, and the idea is that you can turn it inside out.