Cate Blanchett’s stunning look at the AACTA awards

Brisbane designer Rachel Burke emerged as an unexpected star when Hollywood A-lister Cate Blanchett took the stage in one of her sensational creations.

In a dazzling display of local talent at the recent AACTA Awards held on the Gold Coast, Brisbane designer Rachel Burke emerged as an unexpected star when Hollywood A-LISTER Cate Blanchett took the stage in one of her sensational creations.

Blanchett, presenting the prestigious ‘Trailblazer Award’ to Margot Robbie, wore a poufy pink tinsel skirt and a gigantic pink bow headpiece, inspired by Robbie’s latest blockbuster, ‘Barbie.’

The outfit, which Blanchett humorously described as “middle-aged Barbie,” quickly became the talk of the evening, showcasing Burke’s extraordinary flair for vibrant and imaginative design.

Burke’s journey to the AACTA stage was as remarkable as the garment itself. The designer recounted the surreal experience of being contacted via Instagram by Blanchett’s team, expressing the actress’s admiration for her work and her desire to commission a statement piece for the awards show.

Cate Blanchett wearing a gown created by Brisbane designer Rachel Burke on stage at the AACTA awards. Photo: Instagram.

Despite a tight deadline and a trip to India that had her flying back the day of the awards, Burke delivered the garment directly to HOTA, where the AACTAs were being held, and personally helped dress Blanchett for the event.

“I woke up to a DM from someone from the UK in Cate Blanchett’s team … And then we spoke on the phone, and they discussed this opportunity for the actor. I was a little bit worried at first because I do have a pretty busy schedule … But obviously, it was such an amazing opportunity, I couldn’t say no” Burke shared.

“And literally the day I got back from India was the AACTAs, so I went straight from the airport, packed my car and then went to meet Cate Blanchett. That was also surreal, having the opportunity to meet her and style her and get her already.”

The designer’s commitment and passion were evident as she detailed the process of creating the standout outfit under a tight schedule. The result was a testament to her creativity and skill, capturing the essence of the ‘Barbie’ theme while infusing it with her unique aesthetic.

The ensemble not only charmed the audience but also cemented Burke’s status as a designer capable of making a global impact from her Brisbane studio.

In a delightful twist, the night’s host, Rebel Wilson, was so enamoured with the headpiece that she borrowed it for her return to the stage.

AACTA host, Rebel Wilson, wearing a giant bow designed by Rachel Burke stage. Photo: Instagram.

“It was so cool that we got some cool photos of Rebel wearing it as well,” she said.

Burke’s collaboration with Blanchett is just the latest in a series of high-profile projects. She has previously created outfits for celebrities such as Harry Styles, Drew Barrymore, Kesha, and even Beyoncé’s children, showcasing her versatility and the broad appeal of her designs. Each project, she notes, is a surreal adventure and a chance to share her creative vision with the world.

Reflecting on the night, Burke expressed her elation at seeing her work take centre stage

“I was shocked … The image is so stunning and striking, and she’s just so amazing. And also my background is in performance, so it was like all the worlds, all the passions colliding,” she said.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S BYRON BAY VACATION

With Taylor Swift officially on Australian soil after kicking off the Aussie leg of her ‘Eras Tour’ over the weekend, Swifties are abuzz with speculation about how the 14-time Grammy winner will spend her four-day hiatus between the Melbourne and Sydney legs of her tour from February 18 and February 23.

Insider sources have revealed the pop phenomenon could be taking a luxurious break in Byron Bay, between the Melbourne and Sydney legs of her Australian tour from February 18 to February 23.

The singer-songwriter is reportedly seeking solace in one of Byron Bay’s most opulent residences during her brief hiatus.

Sources have suggested that Swift has secured a lavish mansion on Kennedy Lane for eight days starting February 16, aligning with her scheduled break in performances.

This exclusive property has previously accommodated A-listers such as Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban during the production of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and is rumoured to be the preferred Australian getaway for Matt Damon, due to its proximity to the Hemsworth’s mansion.

Taylor Swift attends "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Adding to its allure, the estate with a nightly rental fee of around $30,000, provides direct access to the luxury wellness retreat, Soma.

Further fuelling rumours around Swift’s vacation plans, there is speculation that the singer might also explore regions further north.

The “Mandalay House” in Airlie Beach is reportedly booked for the same period Swift is off from her tour commitments.

This wouldn’t be Swift’s first stay at the lavish property; during her 2018 Australian tour, she is said to have spent $100,000 for a three-day stay at Mandalay House.

ABBIE CHATFIELD’S HEARTBREAKING RELATIONSHIP REVELATION
In a heart-to-heart interview with Osher Gunsberg, popular TV personality Abbie Chatfield delivered a raw and revealing insight into her struggles with relationships and self-love.

The candid conversation, which was shared to Instagram this week, has caught the attention of fans and followers, shedding light on the vulnerabilities that lie behind the confident persona Chatfield is known for.

During the interview, Chatfield expressed a deep-seated scepticism towards happiness and love, stating, “I just don’t think that I even have it in me to even comprehend being happy with someone, or someone being nice. I just think there’s no point trying anymore.”

Chatfield, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health and therapy, reflected on how her public failures have amplified her anxieties.

“All my failures are public, and therefore, everyone can laugh at me,” she shared.

This pressure, as Chatfield disclosed, has led to moments of intense scrutiny from the public and personal battles with mental health, to the extent that her mother would check on her nightly to ensure her safety during her most challenging times.

The TV star also touched on the complexities of dealing with emotions in a high-pressure environment, admitting that her job’s demands often leave her feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Abbie chatfield opens up about insecurities with Osher. Photo: Instagram.

Despite her efforts to understand her mental health struggles through conversations with experts, Chatfield confessed to sometimes using intellectualisation as a means to avoid confronting her true feelings, highlighting a pattern of “disorganised attachment” in her relationships.

This startling admission has sparked a wave of support and empathy from listeners, many of whom admire Chatfield for her openness and resilience.

“If this gal could only see what we see,” one fan wrote, while another commented “I’m in awe at your work ethics- you’re anxious but still turning up, so prolific, so relatable.”