Observer Magazine cover star Cate Blanchett – in pictures

Structured basque skirt and embroidered pearl top, both balmain.com. Aurora pearl earrings, tasaki.co.uk. Black pumps, christianlouboutin.com. Second skin tights, calzedonia.com. Hair by Nicola Clarke at Nicola Clarke Colour Salon

& using Sam McKnight Products. Make-up by Mary Greenwell at Premier Hair & Make-up using Armani Beauty. Fashion assistants: Roz Donoghue and Sam Deaman. Photography assistants: Ethan Humphries and Klaudija Avotina