The 54th annual Grammy Awards were full of sparkle and spectacle despite the somber mood in the air with the passing of a Grammy legend. While there were no arrivals in alien eggs or dresses made out of intestinal linings (#ew), what was on offer this year was nothing short of pure red carpet class. We're talking designer dresses—predominantly in black and white—accents of gold, lace, plunging necklines, delicate appliqueé, and a giant mouse head. Here are our choices for Best Dressed of the night.
JESSIE J IN JULIEN MACDONALD
Jessie J at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Ladies and gentlemen, Jessie J turned it OUT. Arriving on the bright red carpet wearing a silver Julien Macdonald gown made of a cotillion of small squares, the hourglass silhouette gave her a modernized old Hollywood feel. Macdonald was the former head designer of Knitwear at Chanel, and he has a knack for creating futuristic feminine designs. This particular dress was a perfect choice for Jessie, and with her slicked-back ponytail, blunt bangs, clavicle-dusting tresses, a mermaid hem, and jet black Lulu Guinness clutch tucked into her palm, she was a shimmering triumph.
ALICIA KEYS IN ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
Alicia Keys at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
If there was anyone who gave us the tingle chills, it was Alicia Keys and her totally sleek 'n' chic Alexandre Vauthier black dress with rounded shoulder pads and triangle chest plate. OK, really, how gorgeous is she?! The natural makeup and soft pompadour help to drive the focus to the boldness of the dress, and we love the choice of clear ankle strap heels with black pointy toes. Vauthier is a newish French designer who worked with both Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier. We're liking what we see here.
TAYLOR SWIFT IN ZUHAIR MURAD
Taylor Swift at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Taylor Swift channeled a young Nicole Kidman in her grown-up Zuhair Murad form-fitting gown with gold appliqués, a mandarin collar, and sweeping train. It had a Chinoiserie feel and the drama was in the overall effect of the gown with pulled-back hair, smokey eyes, and a lightly stained lip. Total stunnzville.
RIHANNA IN GIORGIO ARMANI
Rihanna at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Woooooo Rihanna. My, my, my. Talk about va-va-va-voom, vampy vamp, and cha-cha-gahmazingness all in one deceptively simple black Giorgio Armani gown. Look at this thing. You've got a neckline that plunges all the way to the waist, a low back (which you can't see in this pic, but oh, is it low), and a high slit to the thigh, paired with simple gold cuffs, rings, and purse. Ri Ri's OWNING it with this sultry number that she collaborated on with Armani himself. Also? We're still digging her new blonde 'do.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD IN GOMEZ-GRACIA
Carrie Underwood at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Carrie Underwood's rise to fame has been so much fun to watch. She's a sweet gal and a class act who never fails to add a little glitz to her awards ensembles. For the Grammys, she chose a white Gomez-Gracia gown with silver sequins that covered everything but her neck. Although conservative in cut, the look was one of uptown elegance. Designer Patricia Gomez-Gracia trained with Alexander McQueen, and we're certain we'll be seeing more of her ladylike dresses in the future. Big ups on Carrie's black lace clutch, which breaks up the snow-like effect.
ADELE IN GIORGIO ARMANI
Adele at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
We are SO GLAD to see Adele again! Making her vocal comeback after a tough year that resulted in having to undergo surgery to save her trademark pipes, the "Rolling in the Deep" power singer rolled up to the red carpet in a gorgeous Giorgio Armani sparkle number with three-quarter sleeves, a cinched waist, and to-the-floor length. Tipped out in Christian Louboutin heels, Harry Winston diamonds, and long silver nails, this is a classic and beautiful look in keeping with her sound. Love the curled blonde hair, long lashes, and crimson lips too. GLA-MAHHHH.
KELLY ROWLAND IN ALBERTA FERRETTI
Kelly Rowland at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Kelly Rowland looks amazing. FULL STOP. Aside from her enviable physique and captivating smile (this is how you do it!), her peaches 'n' cream Alberta Ferretti dress with silver flower appliqués, mesh neckline, and soft draping is insanely beautiful. Instead of going for a pulled-back updo—like many others on Grammy night—she opted for the half up and down look with voluminous curls that framed her Lorraine Schwartz chandelier earrings. This look is all about playing up the accessories to match the embellishments on the dress (including that oversize silver ring), and we j'adore it.
PARIS HILTON IN BASIL SODA
Paris Hilton at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
It's Paris Hilton! At the Grammys!! And WHOA, does she look like a lady. This white Basil Soda dress accented in gold floral motifs is STUNNING; in fact, we don't think we've ever seen Paris look more elegant or less gimmicky. This feels like a metamorphosis, a style transformation if you will, and we like the new Paris with her muted makeup and low chignon. She's a true city of light and we hope she keeps up the good work.
DEADMAU5
Deadmau5 at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12.
Photo: Getty Images
Yes, we're putting Deadmau5 on our Best Dressed list. You guys, not only is he wearing his characteristic, giant bug-eyed mouse smiley face on his head but also? Uuuuum, do you see his T-shirt? It has a phone number with the question, "u mad bro?" spelled out underneath it. Um, this phone number belongs to electronic music artist (and recent Grammy winner/slayer) Skrillex. Is there something going on here, boys? Is there a beef we're unaware of? We're guessing there's more to this madness but applaud Dead's streamlined black tee (which is the right length for his dark jeans), 1990s chain, and colorful tattoos. But, really, what's going ON here, Mau5? It's a Grammy style mystery...
+ SEE PHOTOS OF ALL THE GRAMMYS RED CARPET FASHION
MORE GRAMMYS COVERAGE:
• Grammys 2012 Red Carpet Live Blog
• Nicki Minaj And deadmau5 Pull Outrageous Fashion Antics On The Grammys Red Carpet
• Katy Perry, Rihanna, Adele, Snooki, And Robyn Match Nail Art To Grammy Ensembles
• Lady Gaga Wears Custom Versace At Grammys
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