Cocaine threat to Kate's career

Questions were raised today over whether Kate Moss's £1.3 million modelling contracts are in jeopardy after she was caught on camera apparently snorting cocaine.

There is speculation that many of the top brands she represents may be looking again at whether they want her associated with their products.

According to reports Moss, 31, who only two years ago denied taking illegal drugs, faces a doubtful future with at least five big brands. Some are likely to have clauses in their contracts which would allow them to sack her if she brings their products into disrepute.

Chanel, Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry and Rimmel all declined to comment.

A 45-minute video obtained by the Daily Mirror apparently showed the supermodel preparing and snorting lines of white powder in a west London studio where her boyfriend Pete Doherty was taking part in a recording session.

Chanel, which uses Moss as the face of its Mademoiselle perfume, would not confirm she was still working for the label. A Christian Dior spokeswoman, asked whether Moss continued to represent the brand, said: "Good question. I can't answer that." A spokeswoman for Roberto Cavalli, the Italian couturier, said she was not in a position to confirm Moss was still employed by the company.

An H&M spokesman said: "It's very sad. We don't know what will happen at the moment. We are in talks with her agent to find out the facts and will make a decision after that."

Moss is believed to have a personal-fortune of £30million and last year awarded herself a salary of £130,000 and dividends worth £200,000 from her company Skate Enterprises, in which she is the sole shareholder.

The fashion and PR worlds are split over how far the "cocaine" episode will damage her reputation and employability.

PR chief Max Borkowski told the Times: "She has done more to promote the idea of rock chic than anyone else, but there's a difference between flirting with that image and being too closely associated with the sleazy side of rock and roll. You can play with it as long as you aren't nailed, and she has been crucified."

Sources close to Moss, who is in New York for fashion week, said her lawyer woke her to tell her about the allegations and she "laughed her head off". Another source, however, claimed Moss was upset, adding: "She is terrified she is going to lose the Chanel contract."