Marilyn Manson new face of Yves Saint Laurent menswear range

Controversial rocker Marilyn Manson has been chosen by a creative director Hedi Slimane to be the face of Yves Saint Laurent's new menswear line.

A promotional photo – shot by Slimane himself - has been unveiled, showing Manson - real name Brian Hugh Warner - wearing a black leather jacket and eyeliner and lipstick.

The photo has been shared on Instagram by Mugler's creative director Nicola Formichetti, who added the caption: "Amazing. (sic)"

The rock singer will follow in the footsteps of Vogue cover girls Edie Campbell and Anja Rubik in his new role. The US musician Beck also fronted the label's spring/summer 2013 menswear campaign.

This will be the first fashion campaign for Manson, who was previously married to burlesque beauty and designer Dita Von Teese.

His ex-wife is a firm believer in unorthodox beauty and has spoken openly about her decision to champion curvier models for her underwear catwalk shows.

She previously said: "I want to show all different types and more voluptuous girls. We gave a lot of models the axe for being too skinny - we probably turned away a dozen."