Cate Blanchett wears McQueen to Cannes opening

CANNES — Cate Blanchett has worn a gown by late British designer Alexander McQueen to the opening ceremonies of the Cannes Film Festival.

The black ankle-length, off-the-shoulder gown, emblazoned on the front and back by a silver eagle in flight, was part of McQueen's pre-fall 2010 collection.

McQueen, a British designer who was widely considered among the brightest lights of contemporary fashion, committed suicide on Feb. 11 by taking a mixture of cocaine, sleeping pills and tranquilizers. He was 40.

Blanchett wore the gown to Wednesday's screening of "Robin Hood," which opened the festival. She plays Lady Marion in director Ridley Scott's muscular adaptation of the classic tale.