Cate Blanchett rocks bizarre tattoo-effect dress on red carpet

She was attending a ceremony to honour the work of Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney, but Cate Blanchett made sure all eyes were on her as she posed on the red carpet in this striking black dress which gave the illusion that the actress was covered in heavy black tattoos.

The 49-year-old Lord of the Rings star turned heads in the unusual mid-length frock, which featured some delicate beading on the bodice and skirt. But the most distinctive aspect of the outfit was undeniably the unusual mesh which made it appear as if the actress’ arms and torso were covered in intricate inkings.

Cate donned the head-turning gown to attend the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute, in Hollywood, on Thursday, which honoured the lengthy career of 57-year-old Ocean’s Eleven actor George Clooney.

Cate paired the quirky gown with a sophisticated pair of black stiletto heels and completed the look with smoky eye make-up, a coat of pink lip gloss and a pair of gold and pearl drop earrings, wearing her cropped blonde locks in subtle waves.

The outfit was slightly edgier than Cate’s usual polished style but the actress still oozed glamour as she posed for photos, before taking to the stage to deliver a speech during the Hollywood event.

Cate made headlines this week after an interview she gave on American TV, with Ocean’s 8 co-star Sarah Paulson, took an hilarious turn with the pair cracking up in fits of laughter, leaving NBC’s Today show host Hoda Kotb lost for words.

Read more: Cate Blanchett interview descends into hilarious chaos on live TV.

The mum-of-four stars alongside the likes of Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter, in the all female spin-off of the hugely successful Ocean’s Eleven franchise, which was released in cinemas on Thursday.

What do you think of Cate’s unusual dress? Are you a fan of her style?