IN the rarified world of designer fashion, the name Inès de la Fressange may not exactly roll off the tongue or rank alongside the likes of Dior or Armani.

But apparently she's all the rage in Paris - so much so that DS Automobiles have named a chic new limited edition version of the DS3 after her.

Check her out on Google and you’ll discover that Inès is “a global icon of Paris chic” … “a French model, aristocrat, style icon, fashion designer and perfumer.”

All of which has been enough for DS to jump into bed with her – not literally of course – to create a rather special, special edition of which only 200 will be made, costing from a very designer £20,310 when it goes on sale in May.

That’s a £3,000-plus premium over and above the equivalent ‘regular’ DS3 110 S&S Elegance model on which it’s based, but you will get a lot more for your money, including numerous ‘designer’ extras … not least of which is a handbag designed by the lady herself.

According to Yves Bonnefont, brand director of DS Automobiles: "We aim to offer bespoke models and cultivate rarity so that each customer finds in their DS vehicle a touch that resembles them.”

The DS3 Inès de la Fressange comes only in Ink Blue body paint with an Opal White roof highlighted by ‘Inès Red’ door mirror housings and wheel centres and what the makers call an ‘airmail’ livery design around the rear windows, featuring blue, white and red striped borders.

Inside, there’s Granit Blue grained leather upholstery and the same ‘airmail’ design on the headrests and carpet borders. The dashboard insert is coloured in ‘Inès Red’ while the signature badge of the Inès de la Fressange Paris House, a baby deer, is printed on the dashboard.

Comprehensive equipment includes DS LED Vision, Mirror Screen with Apple Car Play and Mirror Link, DAB digital radio, satellite navigation, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, front arm rest and auto-dimming electro-chromatic rear view mirror.

There are three engine/transmission choices: PureTech 110 S&S (Stop&Start) with manual or auto transmission plus BlueHDi Diesel 100 S&S manual.