The 2019 Academy Awards featured many iconic looks, some were flashes from the past, while others were new to the red carpet and the public eye. This countdown looks at the top ten Oscar ensembles, expressing the highlights and missteps of them all.

10. Marie Kondo in unknown

Japanese organizing consultant and author, Marie Kondo’s red carpet look was simple yet unforgettable.  Kondo’s gown features a blush pink floral lace, sequin flowers, and sheer draped sleeves. This ensemble gives off a simplistic, yet bohemian essence that pairs beautifully with Kondo’s casual hairstyling and minimal accessorizing.  While I love this look, I believe Kondo could have pulled off something less conventional.

9. Kristin Cavallari in unknown

Coming in at number nine is American television star, fashion designer, and actress, Kristin Cavallari.  Cavallari is wearing a beaded black gown with a deep sweetheart neckline. This dress is rather modern, but still brings in trends of the 1920s and 30s.  While I love the dark and simplistic elements, I believe Cavallari could have done better for the red carpet, considering her background in fashion design.

8. Constance Wu in Versace

Number eight on the countdown is American actress, Constance Wu in a custom Versace gown.  This dress is young and elegant with a bright, cyber yellow fabric, draped tulle skirt, and asymmetrical bodice. The dress frames Wu’s silhouette beautifully and pairs greatly with her dark hair, nails, and light jewelry.  This look was absolutely striking; however, I believe it was a bit too “High School Prom” for the Oscars. Still, Constance looked amazing and the ensemble made its way in as one of my favorites.

7. Donna Jordan in Tom Ford

Number seven goes to Donna Jordan, mother of American actor, Michael B. Jordan.  Donna Jordan is wearing a sparkling black Tom Ford gown with a bateau neckline and sheath silhouette.   Jordan looks like absolute royalty with her short blonde hair and Swarovski jewelry, with a crystal cane to match.  Many women could only dream of looking as good as Donna in their golden years; and, with her son by her side, this duo was unstoppable at this year’s awards.

6. SZA in Vivienne Westwood

Number six goes to American singer, SZA, who is wearing Vivienne Westwood.  While this look may not be favored by many, I find it to be absolutely ethereal.  The beautiful white floral fabric makes for a light and somewhat conservative dress; however, the fabric is in great contrast with the gown’s avant-garde silhouette.  The gown looks like a merge between an 80’s prom dress and modern-day wedding dress, yet SZA surprisingly pulls it off, making this look number six on my list.

5. Laura Harrier in Louis Vuitton

American actress and model, Laura Harrier marks number five on the countdown in a beautiful, icy blue, Louis Vuitton gown.  This dress is not only beautiful, but environmentally friendly as well. Harrier says, “It’s a privilege to walk the carpet in a designer gown, but also very meaningful to me that it was constructed with eco-friendly, sustainable materials.”  Harrier was able to achieve a stunning red carpet look while bringing sustainable fashion into the spotlight, making this an ensemble worthy of mentioning.

4. Lucy Boynton in Rodarte

Lucy Boynton’s violet gown by the up-and-coming fashion label, Rodarte, is nothing short of stunning.  The look gives a royal essence with the elegant satin fabric, bateau neckline, and bishop sleeves. Boynton’s dark eyes, short platinum hair, and minimal jewelry give the vibrant dress a softer tone, creating a beautiful balance between the two, making it number four in the countdown.

3. Marina de Tavira in J. Mendel

Number three goes to Mexican actress, Marina de Tavira.  Tavira is wearing a ruby red J. Mendel gown. This dress looked like an absolute art piece as she was walking down the red carpet.  With the tiered tulle skirt and sheer tulle bodice, the dress is flattering and chic, which is rather hard to come by. Tavira paired the dress with a large pair of teardrop earrings and side-swept curls, making an elegant, yet fiery, statement.  

2. Billy Porter in Christian Siriano

Number two on the countdown is given to American performer, actor, and singer, Billy Porter.  Porter is wearing a gown/suit by designer Christian Siriano. Not only is this look iconic because it has never been seen before on the red carpet, but the man who designed this piece adds to its aberrance.  Christian Siriano made a name for himself on the television series Project Runway after being the youngest designer to win the competition. Seeing one of his gowns on the Oscars’ red carpet, and on a man, made for a special, progressive, and unforgettable moment.

1. Amandla Stenberg in Miu Miu

At the top of the list we have American actress Amandla Stenberg in a gorgeous gown by Miu Miu.  Stenberg gave a modern twist to an iconic 1920’s flapper look. With the silver chains draping beautifully across the dress, paired with light jewelry and pin-curled braids, Sternberg made this look simple but eye-catching, placing her as number one on the list.