I have watched the Oscars almost every year since I was a young child. Often this was to the chagrin of my brothers and father. However, my Mum was an avid follower of movie stars and also wanted to watch. I mainly watched to see the beautiful dresses. In my mind's eye, I can still see Elizabeth Taylor in a white gown with flowers. The image of Cher at the Oscars in a slinky sequin gown and headdress by Bob Mackie is still a personal favorite. While I love movies from old Hollywood to the present, to me the Oscars are about beautiful dresses.

THE OSCARS 2023

Oscars fashion is in a league of its. The red carpet for the 95th Academy Awards went off without a single slap. The only slap that may have been deserved was to singer Tems ( nominated for best original song for " Black Panther: Wakanda Forever") whose oversized white gown and headdress obstructed the view of others. While violence is never the answer, a more experienced designer/stylist would have avoided this faux pas.

The world's most famous red carpet was replaced with a "champagne color". However, not everything was about change. This fashion critic notes a return to classic silhouettes, an abundance of white, a nod to vintage, and the quintessential black gown. Here are my favorite 10 looks from the Oscars red carpet.

RIHANNA in ALIA

Black leather and sheer, Rihanna was stunning in this form fitting Alaia gown. Her baby bump was featured with a sheer mid rift and the look was completed red lips and nails and a messy up do.

LADY GAGA IN VERSAGE

Directly off the Los Angeles Versace runway Lady Gaga amazed in perhaps my favorite gown of the night. Black tick, sheer tick, silhouette tick, and sexiness tick. With all the boxes ticked Gaga looked ultra glamorous. The classic silhouette was made contemporary and cutting edge with the sheer bodice and drop waist.

CATE BLANCHETT IN LOUIS VUITTON

Cate Blanchette channeled the legendary Joan Crawford with an archival Louis Vuitton top and maxi skirt made from sustainable silk. Blanchett pledged to wear only pre-worn or reworked pieces this awards cycle. Always elegant, Cate Blanchett gives us a sophisticated contemporary nod to old Hollywood.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS IN CHANEL COUTURE

Ethereal and angelic describe this white crystal column gown worn by best actress nominee for The Fablemans, Michelle Williams. This breathtaking look is covered with a shimmering cape. The entire look is topped off with the actress's ideal pixie cut hairdo. I adore this gentle and feminine look.

ANGELA  BASSET IN MOSCHINO

Angela Basset wore a regal ultraviolet organza gown with an exaggerated bow neckline. The dress again has a classic silhouette with a mermaid flare and slight train.

MALALA YOUSAFZAI IN RALPH LAUREN

Malala Yousafzai, the human rights and education activist, shone brightly on her first trip to the Oscars. The producer of the short film Stranger at the Gate was an early arrival on the red carpet in a silver hooded sequin gown by Ralph Lauren. I love how this look shows the power of this advocate and the strength of modest dressing.

HONG CHAU IN PRADA

The clean lines and pretty pink remind me of a look worn by Audrey Hepburn. Hong Chau was stunning in this sophisticated Prada gown. The best supporting actress nominee requested a change to a mandarin collar to pay homage to her heritage. The black sequined, feathered train reminds us this is Prada and to celebrate the unexpected.

JANELLE MONAE IN VERA WANG

Who says you can't dress in a fun way for the red carpet? Janelle Monae is having fun with color and shape in this daring Vera Wang bare midriff gown. I love the orange, and Janelle may singlehandedly bring back the velvet choker.

CARA DELEVINGNE IN ELIE SAAB

If you listen to the polls on the internet Cara Delevingne won the nights best dressed award. Va Va Va voom  this dress is hot. While most of the attendees chose black or white Cara selected this brilliant red frock from red carpet specialist Elie Saab. From the rose detail at the shoulder to the thigh high slit this dress makes a statement.

FLORENCE PUGH IN VALENTINO COUTURE

The final choice of my ten best dresses is this billowing strapless Valentino gown with punky shorts peeking out. I loved this look, with its chic styling and hip vibe. Pugh's hairstyle was so on point, with a ponytail flipped forward to create a micro fringe. Florence Pugh stood out on the red carpet for all the right reasons.

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW