Good news, ladies! I talked to my Chanel SA today and some of the U.S. boutiques are carrying the red. She is having one sent to me as we speak, so I'll post pics when it comes. If you're interested, call a boutique to look for one. I specifically asked if it was suede, and she said it's just the regular leather.
I can't wait to see pics of the red lady braid. I could kick myself for not getting the purple one when it was offered to me ush: as I think it's one of the prettiest bags chanel ever made .