Nicole bags designer man

Showbiz

13:30 31 May 2005

Nicole Kidman is reportedly dating a handbag designer.

The Oscar-winning star, who hasn't had a long-term relationship since splitting from husband Tom Cruise five years ago, is now allegedly romancing Gucci accessories boss Francois-Henri Pinault.

The couple were spotted at New York's exclusive Biltmore Room restaurant last week.

A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "She's wary about getting involved with people, so she's not giving too much away.

"But at the mere mention of his name her face lights up. It's obvious she's smitten."

Until recently the 37-year-old actress, who has two adopted children, Connor and Isabella, from her first marriage, had been linked with Hollywood producer, Steve Bing.

But friends of the strawberry-blonde say she called time on the romance when it became clear that Steve - who has a two-year-old son with 'Austin Powers' star Liz Hurley - did not want to settle down.

A source told Britain's News of the World newspaper at the time: "Nicole and Steve are no longer an item. They've had their ups and downs and now they've called it a day."

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