Grammy Awards edition

Where was the sartorial shock-and-awe at this year's Grammy Awards red carpet? Surprisingly, the glam countered the gaudy. Our headmistress of haute couture JEANMARIE TAN grades the best- and worst-dressed at music's biggest night in Los Angeles

DISTINCTION

TAYLOR SWIFT

Gown: Gucci Premiere

The pop-country cutie who has a soft spot for all things sparkly was a resplendent goddess in her drop-dead gorgeous, glittering silver lamé short-sleeved column gown with a crystal mesh overlay that resembled chain mail. Needless to say, she extinguished the competition.

A+

RITA ORA

Dress: Lanvin

Clutch: Jimmy Choo

The British singer often tries very hard, only to get it very wrong. But this was finally an A-grade effort. Like Swift, she also had a major metallic moment in this fierce greenish-gold long-sleeved mini-dress. But what I appreciated more was her suddenly subdued approach to styling.

A-

KATY PERRY

Gown: Valentino

Now this is a statement gown - and totally event-appropriate! It's got the typical Katy Perry kitsch factor, musical notes and crazy layers of nude tulle - a combination which hits the high notes.

A

PASS

PINK

Gown: Johanna Johnson

Pink rocking red? And who knew she had such a feminine side? The scarlet shade and strapless sweetheart neckline works surprisingly well on the tough rock chick.

B+

ZENDAYA

Dress: Emanuel Ungaro

This ensemble may appear completely wacko, yet it jives with the irreverent spirit of the Grammys. It also proves that Disney Channel teen stars can get away with almost anything - even a sheer buttoned-up black blouse with patch pockets covering her assets paired with a polka-dotted blue skirt.

B-

MADONNA

Pantsuit: RALPH LAUREN

I've seen the Queen of Pop in more tuxedo-inspired ensembles than I care to remember, all of which ended up looking costumely like this latest version. And is that a walking stick? Well, she's gotta be like a hundred years old by now, right?

C-

ARIANA GRANDE

Dress: Dolce & Gabbana

Shoes: Aldo

Grande needs to grow up and out of her 20-going-on-14 personal style pronto. She's giving me serious deja vu in yet another toothache-inducing floral strapless tea-length frock and never-changing cutesy hairstyle. Also, blush pink satin pumps and pantyhose belong at a wedding, not the Grammys.

D

FAIL

BEYONCE

Gown: Michael Costello

This wouldn't be a Grammy red carpet if there wasn't some accidental - or rather, deliberate - exposure from a D-lister. But surely Queen B is better than this cringeworthy white see-through floral creation that struggled to cover her privates?

F

PARIS HILTON

Gown: Haus of Milani

Just as ghastly in an over-revealing white gown is the socialite-turned-DJ. It has long sleeves and a turtleneck collar, yet manages to be tacky to the max due to the badly executed nude mesh panels going down the back and sides. But then again, this IS Paris Hilton we're talking about.

F

I was younger then. Things were up - the boobies were perkier, the cellulite was less. You got to do it when you're young. (Designer Richard Tyler) actually had underwear, a thong, in it, which held it down. So thank goodness for a thong.

- US singer Toni Braxton reminisces about her controversial skimpy white dress at the 2001 Grammys

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