Cate Blanchett Receives London Honor in Stella McCartney Studded Platforms and a Pinstriped Suit

Cate Blanchett was recently honored with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London for her contributions to film and her ongoing humanitarian advocacy.

For the ceremony, she leaned into her signature androgynous elegance, pairing a sharply tailored pinstripe suit with chunky Stella McCartney platform shoes.

The ensemble felt unmistakably “Cate”—modern, principled, and quietly powerful—perfectly matching the occasion’s significance and spirit.

Cate Blanchett receives the Freedom of the City of London honor in recognition of her contribution to drama and campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues, in the Old Library at the Guildhall in London on November 28, 2025 (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Long before she became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2016, Cate Blanchett was already championing practical, responsible fashion.

She’s known for re-wearing beloved pieces and gravitating toward labels with strong sustainability credentials, making her red-carpet choices feel as thoughtful as they are stylish. So when she stepped out in this latest look, it was no surprise that her outfit hinted at yet another eco-conscious fashion moment.

Let’s take a closer look at what she wore.

Sustainable Statement: Cate Blanchett Rewears Stella McCartney’s “Elyse” Platforms

Cate Blanchett stepped into the Old Library at the Guildhall in London wearing a pair of Stella McCartney platform shoes. The British brand is known for its commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion, steering clear of leather and fur while creating sleek, modern, and impeccably tailored designs—qualities that also perfectly reflect Cate’s fashion sense!

True to her style ethos, Blanchett wasn’t wearing these shoes for the first time. They’ve been part of her wardrobe for years; in fact, we’ve seen her wear them with a blue Triple RRR jumpsuit at the 2020 Venice Film Festival.

The Stella McCartney “Elyse” platforms were the first thing that caught my eye in her look. I’ve always found these shoes fascinating—bold, quirky, and packed with detail, yet still somehow minimal. They’ve become such a modern classic that you can now find them in countless variations on Farfetch, from metallic finishes to sculptural wedges.

Cate Blanchett wears the bold and quirky Stella McCartney “Elyse” platform shoes in nude-beige vegan leather with studded midsoles and serrated outsoles (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

They were crafted from smooth nude-beige vegan leather, exuding a sleek, modern sophistication. Zigzag stitching at the vamps added a bit of texture, while the squared toes and lace-up fronts kept the shoes structured.

The double-wedge platforms were thick, sculptural, and dotted with metallic studs that formed tiny star motifs, adding a playful, celestial sparkle to the look.

The statement continued with the white soles, featuring serrated, saw-toothed edges that added a hint of architectural drama, balancing femininity with a rock-chic attitude.

Pinstripe Power Dressing: Cate’s Tailored Androgynous Suit

Complementing the playful, chunky platform shoes, Cate chose a polished, professional charcoal pinstriped suit that exuded effortless refinement.

The oversized blazer, falling gracefully to her thighs, had a relaxed yet refined structure that I found particularly striking. It had notched lapels that added a classic, tailored touch, while the subtly padded shoulders gave the look some shape.

Cate pinned a small blue ribbon to her lapel, a nod to the UNHCR, symbolizing solidarity with displaced people.

Cate Blanchett teams her casual but chic footwear with a tailored pinstriped suit featuring an oversized jacket, wide-legged pants, and a white shirt (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Under the blazer, Blanchett wore a crisp white shirt buttoned to the collar. It had no frills or embellishments, making it a clean, classic choice that kept the tailoring sharp.

The matching wide-leg trousers pooled slightly over her shoes, softening the suit’s strong lines and giving the look a relaxed flow.

Minimalist Glam: Soft Makeup & Understated Accessories

Cate kept her glam minimal, which felt right for the occasion. She looked fresh, with a hint of pink on her cheeks, while her soft pink lipstick added a warm glow.

A touch of eyeliner and mascara highlighted her blue eyes, and her blonde hair, parted to the side and left down, framed her face naturally.

She skipped earrings and a necklace, wearing just a single ring to keep everything clean and unfussy.

Cate Blanchett keeps her glam simple with soft pink makeup and a side-parted hairstyle (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

More Platform Power: Iconic Cate Blanchett & Stella McCartney Shoe Moments

Cate’s latest appearance is just one example of how she consistently uses fashion—especially statement platforms—to balance elegance, intention, and a touch of edge.

And she’s not alone: both Blanchett and Stella McCartney have delivered some of the most memorable platform moments on red carpets, runways, and major events. If you’re in the mood to explore more standout looks, we’ve rounded up some of the best below.