Fashion Crush Friday: Cate Blanchett

That Cate Blanchett was chosen to portray an Elven queen should surprise approximately no one. She practically screams regal intelligence with her strong brow, defined cheekbones and distinctly statuesque presence that commands the eye. 

All of which makes her distinctive red carpet style a fantastic surprise because no one does ethereal and intricate like Ms. Blanchett.
This isn't old Hollywood glamour, satin fishtails, or a simple fit and flare. She selects pieces that feel like they're floating in mid-air, with soft tulle flowers or the tiniest bead detail catching the light. When she walks, she glimmers. 

Unlike next week's crush (our uniform guru Samantha Cameron), Blanchett takes significant fashion risks, meaning that she never fails to snatch the eye.

One of her repeat loves is for intricate beading that is almost reminiscent of mosaic tiles. These are both great examples of a metallic top peppered with eye catching reflective details. To keep from looking like an overly bedazzled Russian egg, she anchors the bottom with a richly textured neutral. 

Just as often, Blanchett offers a complete shift from the angular, sharp detailing above. There's serious symmetry here in two Armani choices with soft nude and a sea foamy green serving as the base for romantic, fluttering flowers. She looks like she's been freshly strewn with blossoms by a summer breeze. 

It's not just her detailing choices that are worthy of note, as Blanchett doesn't shy away from playing with proportions. It's unusual to see women deliberating widening their frame by adding weight to the shoulders. In both of these dresses, her statuesque figure keeps her from looking top-heavy or out of balance. 

In less capable hands, the dress would wear the woman in every one of these photos, but Blanchett never seems like a delicate flower playing dress up. She may feel as wispy as a fever dream, but she's the queen for a reason.