Chanel Signs Brad Pitt as Face of No.5

Brad Pitt and wife

CHANEL’S NEW MAN: Brad Pitt’s certainly never been above plying his wares on Asian TV — remember the 2008 spot for Japanese denim brand Edwin Jeans, where he invited spectators to check out his backside, or perhaps the Wes Anderson-directed Japanese spot for Softbank mobile phones in which he resembled a giant banana? — but he’s now coming Stateside with his power of persuasion. Chanel confirmed Wednesday that it has signed the actor as the face of its No.5 fragrance. Over the years, Chanel has chosen a host of celebrity faces to front the 91-year-old scent — from Ali McGraw, Catherine Deneuve and Candice Bergen to Nicole Kidman, Audrey Tautou and Vanessa Paradis — but Pitt’s signing marks the first time a man has been tapped to represent the brand.