Kristen Stewart is the new face of Balenciaga Perfume

Kristen Stewart's fashion star is in exponential ascendance as it was today confirmed that she is the face of a new fragrance to be launched this autumn.

Hot on the heels of her sartorial slam-dunk in her promotional tour for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One , where she upgraded from moody teenager to bonafide Hollywood starlet by breaking out the J Mendel sequins, Stewart has been announced as muse to Creative Director Nicholas Ghesquière.

"Kristen embodies the modernity of the new Balenciaga fragrance with her unique sensibility and intelligence," said Ghesquière. "From her early appearance in 'Panic Room' to her independent choice of 'Welcome to the Rileys', I've always sensed her progressive character. In 2006, I invited her to appear in a project shot by Bruce Weber. Since then, I've always wished to collaborate with her further, knowing that she shares the radical spirit of Balenciaga."
Kristen has eschewed red carpet glamour in previous years, opting for Converse plimsolls rather than the sky-high heels favoured by her celebrity contemporaries, but it transpires that she has always had a soft spot for Balenciaga.

She told WWD on Thursday: "Balenciaga has always stood out to me. Even when I first began to consider fashion and admittedly rarely knew the brand I was wearing, I always recognized and loved Balenciaga. It feels full circle to be involved with something that spoke to me then and of course continues to excite me now. The brand is just cool. That's the way it is. I feel drawn to it. It provokes on a number of levels. It isn't afraid or contrived. It hits a very cool balance, always. Always pretty undeniable."

Catherine Walsh, senior vice president of American fragrances for Coty Prestige, referenced Kristen's "elegant modernity and innate rebel style" as the qualities which make her a natural match with the Balenciaga brand.

Kristen is in good company at Balenciaga, with Charlotte Gainsbourg remaining as the face of Balenciaga Paris, the first olfactory venture from the fashion house which launched in 2010. Let's hope her new fashion phase lasts long enough to propel her through her next lot of promotions for Breaking Dawn Part Two.