Basinger new face for Prada

Academy award-winning actress Kim Basinger has been enlisted by Italian fashion designer Muiccia Prada to model her new spring/summer Mui Mui collection.

Basinger, 51, who was a successful model before turning to acting, is the latest middle-aged female star to be chosen by highly acclaimed fashion houses, including Madonna, 47, and Demi Moore, 42, who both starred in recent Versace campaigns.

A source tells British newspaper The Daily Telegraph: "Basinger's just finished shooting the spring/summer 2006 Miu Miu campaign in Paris.

"Muccia chose Basinger for the intellectual sensuality she has, which is quite unique.

"She was also a cover girl before she became an actress, so she's no stranger to modelling."