Mermaid Magic: Cate Blanchett's Bizarre Ensemble at London Event
SCANDALOUS SIGHTINGS: CATE BLANCHETT STEALS THE SHOW WITH MERMAID-INSPIRED OUTFIT AT SERPENTINE GALLERY SUMMER PARTY
The usually reserved Cate Blanchett sent shockwaves through the glamorous gathering at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in London, where she co-hosted the star-studded event with a bevy of A-list celebrities. And by "shockwaves," we mean the stunning sight that was Cate herself, rocking a one-of-a-kind mermaid-inspired ensemble that left onlookers agog.
The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress and UNHCR goodwill ambassador traded in her signature elegance for an eye-catching getup from Dilara Fındıkoğlu's Fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection. The showstopping piece, aptly titled "Venus From Chaos," featured a corset-like bodice adorned with shells of all shapes and sizes, paired with a high, choker neck that added an air of mystery to the overall look.
But Cate didn't stop there – she also wore a pale purple skirt that jutted out at the knee, giving the illusion of a mermaid's tail. And let's not forget her choice of shoes: pointed-toe pumps with tulle embellishments that added an extra layer of drama to the overall ensemble.
The only accessory that managed to hold its own against Cate's stunning outfit was a pair of classic diamond earrings – and even those were somewhat overshadowed by the sheer magnificence of the mermaid-inspired masterpiece. Her makeup, too, played it cool, with a light rose shade on her lips and a pair of white-framed sunglasses perched atop her head.
As she posed for photos, Cate beamed broadly, clearly thrilled to have made such an impact at the event. And why not? After all, the Blue Jasmine star has had a storied career spanning over three decades – with barely any of that time spent filming on American soil, despite being one of the most in-demand stars in Hollywood.
Speaking at the National Portrait Gallery in London just days prior, Cate took aim at Donald Trump's controversial plan to impose 100 per cent tariffs on films made outside the United States. "Hollywood, such as it is, is a chimera," she declared. "The number of times I've worked on American terra firma, I could probably count on one hand. Invariably, you will shoot out of country."
And then there's her take on the multiculturalism that defines the film industry. "Queen Elizabeth was played by an Australian [Cate], directed by a man from Bollywood [Shekhar Kapur], filmed in the UK," she pointed out. "That's the reality of how films are made."
It's no wonder, then, that Cate has always been drawn to international collaborations – and that her creative loyalties have never been dictated by geography. "I've thought as much about the Chinese and Indian film industries as I have about Hollywood," she confessed. "The Australian industry, where I come from, is small by scale, but culturally it was incredibly rich when I was growing up."
So what's behind Cate's passion for international filmmaking? It all boils down to her love of travel and cultural exploration – and the thrill of working with creatives from around the world. "If you have the chance to travel and work in other cultures, why wouldn't you?" she asked rhetorically.
And yet, despite conquering the film world, Cate has never intended to become an actor at all – nor did she initially want to pursue her passion for performing. In fact, she actively tried to stop doing it, even enrolling in drama school with the express intention of getting rid of it once and for all. But, as we all know, sometimes you just can't escape your true calling.
So there you have it – Cate Blanchett, mermaid-queen extraordinaire, slaying the game both on and off screen. And if you're not already subscribed to The Scholarly Note's new showbiz newsletter for exclusive pictures, viral moments, and A-list scandals, what are you waiting for?
