Alice Dellal becomes the new face of the Boy Chanel handbag collection.

Alice Dellal is the new face of the Boy Chanel handbag collection.

The London-based socialite, musician and model – who is known for her signature half-shaved head and punk style – was handpicked by Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld after the pair met at a photo shoot some months ago.

A Chanel spokesperson said: “[Karl Lagerfeld] had a crush on this unique, charismatic young lady, who is both a model and musician, during a photo shoot several months ago. This previously unforeseen alliance finally became self-evident. Alice Dellal represents the perfect incarnation of all that is unique about the Boy Chanel handbag collection, which strives [to be] far from conformist notions of femininity.”

Karl took the pictures for the campaign, which will be released worldwide in March.

Alice follows in the footsteps of previous Chanel handbag models including Jerry Hall, Lily Allen, Rinko Kikuchi, Blake Lively and Diane Kruger.

Alice – who is the sister of shoe designer Charlotte Dellal – has previously described her style as “tomboy” and says her dad used to be her fashion icon, even revealing her half-shaved head was inspired by him.

She said: “When I was little I was such a tomboy – I loved a baggy T-shirt and leggings. Charlotte’s always been very stylish – she used to dress me when I was really young. We’d look identical, but we’re so different. She’d be reading Agatha Christie and I, well I, wasn’t. I was always more attracted to what my Dad was wearing. Charlotte and Mum are much more similar. Charlotte would get Mum’s hand-me-downs, then I’d get them after she was done with them. If I’m feeling a bit glamorous though, I love wearing a pair of her shoes.

“Charlotte actually suggested I have it my hair done like this. My brother and my Dad always used to shave their hair and I remember thinking ‘Why can’t I do the same?’ It’s kind of ironic that it was my sister’s idea, but I would give her total credit for it. The style’s becoming more normal though – I see quite a few girls with similar hair now.”