Jessica Chastain is the new face of YVES SAINT LAURENT.

The 'Help' actress was ''thrilled'' to be named the ambassadress of the iconic French fashion house's latest perfume, Manifesto.

The flame-haired beauty - who shot to international fame in 2011 thanks to her role in Terrance Malik's 'The Tree Of Life' alongside Brad Pitt - commented: ''Yves Saint Laurent is a brand that inspires me deeply.

''Since its creation, the brand has conveyed strong values that I cherish, such as an unwavering commitment, absolute love and feminine audacity.This new fragrance is an emblem of it all. I am thrilled to be part of this beautiful adventure.''

Manifesto will be introduced in France on August 27 and the rest of Europe in September. The perfume will be available in the US from 2013.

Stephan Bezy, international general manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté at L'Oréal, told WWD: '' We were won over by the very subtle strength of Jessica Chastain, her solar charm, her free mind.

''Jessica embodies the quintessence of Saint Laurent's femininity, a woman of her day and age, independent, determined, never where you expect her to be.''

The Fashion house has a history of chosing redheads to front their campaigns: Karen Elson and a red-haired Sophie Dahl have been the face of Opium fragrance in the past.

35-year-old Jessica - who currently stars in Kathryn Bigelow's 'Lawless' - will juggle her YSL duties with filming 'Zero Dark Thirty' and performing in 'The Heiress' on Broadway.