Is Cate Blanchett dressed as a wasp on the red carpet?

Actress Cate Blanchett attends the Louis Vuitton Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Getty Images

Her effortlessly elegant appearances on the red carpet always create a buzz.

But when Cate Blanchett turned up for the opening of an exhibition in Tokyo on Thursday night, there was a sting in the tail. For some observers said her choice of yellow, black and white gown, while accentuating her curves, left the Oscar-winning actress resembling a wasp.

Actress Cate Blanchett attends the Louis Vuitton Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Getty Images

Fashion experts were quick to praise the flamboyant panelled dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere, saying Miss Blanchett, 46, had transformed herself into a work of art. Others begged to differ, however.

Comments online ranged from "hideous" and "looks like a wasp" to "all that's missing is the bowl of fruit on her head".

US Weekly started a poll about the about the dress, which had a striking bodice and multi-textured panels, asking readers: Do you love it or hate it? However, New York Magazine's style team praised Miss Blanchett, saying she resembled a "real-life Cubist painting, a Modigliani or Picasso".

The Australian actress was attending the opening of the Louis Vuitton exhibition Volez, Voguez, Voyagez, which traces the history of the luxury luggage designer.