She may not have walked the red carpet, but she stole the fashion show. After performing the opening number, the pop diva changed into a sheer white floral lace gown that was exactly the kind of risque style statement we expect to see on music’s biggest night. The dress was created by 31-year-old L.A.-based designer and “Project Runway” alum Michael Costello. To read an interview with Costello about this dress, click here. (Joe Klamar / AFP/Getty Images)
Zebra stripes and lion heads, oh my. It’s a whole African safari on a dress. Another cuckoo fashion choice, yes, and I kind of like it. At least it doesn’t whimper like so much of what we saw on the Grammys red carpet; it roars. The gown is by Nicholas Jebran, one of several under-the-radar designers who were flying high on the Grammys red carpet. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
This sparkly white Haus of Milani gown with scroll-patterned insets is a little wack-a-doodle, especially with the super-high hair. But hey, this is the Grammys. And that’s what we expect. (Michael Nelson / EPA; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Her Naeem Khan gown, with a maze of gold sequin embroidery, highlighted every curve. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Adding her own twist to the evening’s metallic trend, Ora chose a short, woven metallic Lanvin cocktail dress in a beguiling absinthe green with lavender undertones. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lots of guys wore vivid color on the red carpet, but Macklemore’s plush teal velvet tuxedo was one of the best looks of the night. A thrift store find, perhaps? If so, we’ll take it. (Christopher Polk / Getty Images)
Oh how I wanted to love this look, a Ralph Lauren tuxedo chosen by 8-year-old son, David, who was sporting a similar style. But the queen mum of pop piled on way too many accessories. The hat, gold mouth grill, Maltese cross pin and crystal-mesh hand bracelet -- it was overkill. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The pregnant star collaborated with Emilio Pucci designer Peter Dundas on this coppery sequined stunner, which was sexy and serpentine-looking, not unlike the Gucci gown Olivia Wilde wore to the Golden Globes. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
A golden goddess in a Gucci column gown overlaid with so many crystals, she told E! Entertainment TV, “I think it’s bulletproof.” The workmanship is stunning. (Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
What could be more perfect for the Grammys than a gown dotted with musical notes? This Valentino Couture confection, which had come down the runway in Paris just a week before, is sweet and whimsical, just like Katy Perry. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
This Johanna Johnson gown fits her like a glove, and she looks like a tall drink of Champagne. Shown with John Legend. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Romance at its best, the country star’s soft pink tiered tulle Armani Prive gown was reminiscent of spun sugar. (Matt Sayles / Invision/Associated Press; Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
Pharrell Williams has been named to nearly every best-dressed list on the planet and this is what he comes up with for the Grammys? The hat is a quirky statement, we get it. But the jeans and leather track jacket just don’t cut it for the red carpet. (He is shown with his date.) (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
