Chanel picks Blake Lively for Mademoiselle handbags

Blake Lively is the new face of the Chanel Mademoiselle handbag collection.
Surprised? So was the industry.
The French fashion house made an unexpected decision, choosing a blond American actress over the more traditional choice of a European model.
Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, who photographed Lively for the Mademoiselle line, adored her and could only offer high praises for TV’s Gossip Girl.
"Blake's spontaneity and fresh, youthful image have convinced Chanel that she is the right person to represent the house and this range of bags," commented a spokesperson for the company.
Lively, too, is convinced that Chanel is the only company for her face.
"I had other opportunities, and I would say, 'Thank you so much, but I am holding out for Chanel.’ That's who I want to be the face of,'" said Lively.
Still, the decision has proven controversial.
One insider told Vogue.com that Chanel would “literally fire anyone who admits they are not happy with Lively as the face of Mademoiselle handbags,” BANG Showbiz reported.