The Sybarite’s Oscar Awards 2023 Best Dressed List

Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab

Saving the best for first, Cara Delevingne was back in full it-girl form after her recent struggle with sobriety; as she spoke about earlier this month with Vogue Magazine. She donned a one-shoulder voluminous Elie Saab gown complete with a fully exposed leg - in case we forgot that she once ruled the Victoria’s Secret runway. She was the supermodel many young people grew up with, and it was a truly heartwarming moment to see her dominate the red carpet once again. Her crimson gown was completed with a Bvlgari Serpenti choker [with a rumoured 62-carat of diamonds] and matching red platform heels.

Malala Yousafzai in Ralph Lauren

This was the Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai’s debut Oscar red-carpet appearance. She has made her leap into the silver screen as executive producer of short documentary film nominee Strangers at the Gate. Malala often opts for toned-down outfits, usually in the traditional style of Pakistani garments called Salwar Kameez. Not only was this her Oscar debut, but the first time we’ve seen her truly embrace the glamour of the industry. She dazzled in a custom silver sequinned Ralph Lauren gown, a perfect fit for the star who emerged as one of the best moments of this year's ceremony.

Deepika Padukone in Louis Vuittton

For those unfamiliar with Padukone, she is the crown jewel of Indian cinema and has produced blockbusters in multitudes. She is the global ambassador of Louis Vuitton - the first Indian to be given this position at the historical French brand. Her black velvet Louis Vuitton gown was draped off the shoulders to leave space for her statement Cartier jewellery, including a mammoth yellow pear diamond and black opera gloves with her bracelet and rings worn over the gloves as a homage to the European history of the brand.

Angela Bassett in Moschino

Angela Bassett was among the few actors who highlighted her nominated role through her outfit. Her purple gown [purple being the colour signifying Royalty] hinted at her nomination for her role of Queen Ramonda in Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her demeanour and outfit felt signifying of her career-defining role, with an old Hollywood-esque hairstyle and fit and flare gown. Though she [controversially] didn’t walk away with an award, she’ll always be a winner in our book.

Rihanna in Alaïa

The only thing better than award-season Rihanna is award-season pregnant Rihanna. She has never been one to compromise on her personal style, whether on a front cover or red carpet - her looks always feel authentically ‘bad gal’. Her custom two-piece Alaïa look featured a leather cut-out dress with a sheer layer worn underneath to show off her baby bump without baring all. She accessories with earrings from celebrity favourite Moussaieff.

Fan Bingbing in Tony Ward Couture 

Fan Bingbing is to China what Deepika Padukone is to India, a superstar in all senses of the word. She rarely makes red-carpet appearances, and this was her first Oscars appearance in a decade. She marked the occasion with a showstopper Tony Ward Couture outfit. The unique outfit comprised a green silk taffeta coat worn over a figure-hugging beaded gown. She offset the green by pairing it with Colombian emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé

This isn’t Kidman’s first rodeo, and it shows. She gave us hot vampire vibes in Armani Privé, by chance, the same designer she wore at the 2022 Oscars. Truly ageing like fine wine, her Academy awards look was a one-sleeved black sequin gown with 3D silver beaded roses on the shoulder and waist, with a thigh-high slit, because if you can’t do it at the Oscars, when can you?