Chanel’s Latest Ambassador is Gossip Girl’s New Star

Many celebrities wear Chanel, but few join the ranks of its ambassadors. Over the years, the French brand has sought out talents ranging from French cinema legends (Carole Bouquet), Hollywood A-listers (Kristen Stewart), and K-Pop idols (Jennie Kim of Blackpink). This year, a new name was added to the list of Chanel’s US Brand Ambassadors: 18-year-old Gossip Girl actress Whitney Peak.

The reboot of the beloved aughts series isn’t premiering until later this year, but fans will recognize Peak from her roles on Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and the Aaron Sorkin-directed Molly’s Game. For her part, Peak can’t believe the enviable position she finds herself in as a burgeoning star and designer muse. “Honestly, I never dreamed I’d get the attention of such a reputable house, let alone the pleasure of working with and representing them,” she says. “I’m looking forward to showing how versatile and timeless Chanel is.”

Makeup: Tyron Machhausen, Hair: Nai’vasha

Photo by Jack Waterlot, Courtesy of Chanel

Even before she joined the Chanel roster, Peak’s 2021 was off to an eventful start. Born in Uganda but raised in Canada, she moved to New York City at the start of the year to film Gossip Girl. Like her NYC newbie character, Peak has been acclimating to the change. “She is new to NYC, so we were both kind of navigating that,” says Peak. “She’s real, imperfect, bruised, and broken but still prevails and continues to wish only happiness for those in her life. Learning from her mistakes and always choosing to stay true to herself in the end.” A far cry from Blair Waldorf and her machinations, indeed, but Peak is a devoted fan of the original series. “[I’ve watched] many times, not as it was airing but years after. I was just a freshman and dove headfirst into the glamorous world of Gossip Girl. [I was] truly an outsider looking in.”