Cate Blanchett accepted a major London honor on Friday, pairing the moment with platforms finished in quiet star motifs.
The Oscar-winning actress attended the ceremony to receive the Freedom of the City of London on Friday, where she was honored for her acclaimed acting career as well as her dedicated campaigning for humanitarian and environmental causes.
Cate Blanchett receives the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her outstanding contribution to drama, and campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues at The Guildhall on Nov. 28, 2025 in London.
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For the event, the Australian slipped into a pair of Stella McCartney Elyse platforms in a light beige finish. The lace-up style featured a smooth, uniform upper with a squared-off toe and subtle top-stitched paneling. Along the sides of the exaggerated wedge, clusters of small metallic studs formed star motifs. The platform itself was substantial, built in two parts: a thick beige midsole and a contrasting white outsole cut with deep, serrated teeth for grip.
A closer look at Cate Blanchett’s Stella McCartney Elyse Platform Shoes featuring star detailing.
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Platform shoes are becoming a popular choice for many stars, given that they add extra boost without sacrificing comfort. Cynthia Erivo just wore a pair to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and FKA Twigs wore another towering pair to the Matières Fécales’ spring 2026 show.
Cate Blanchett receives the Freedom of the City of London Award on Nov. 28, 2025 in London.
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Blanchett paired her boots with a professional look, opting for a pinstripe suit featuring a gray oversized blazer and matching wide-leg trousers. She added a clean white button-down blouse beneath the jacket and kept accessories minimal, save for a blue ribbon on her lapel. The ribbon, associated with the UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, signifies solidarity with people forced to flee their homes.