There’s only two ways about it: Grammy fashion this year was all about the long and short of it.

All that glittered was not just the gold trophies handed out as a cluster of leading ladies turned the 52nd annual music ceremony into a cosmic fashion odyssey. And the red carpet dress-code meant choosing between dazzling full-length or a sparkling mini adventure.

Lady Gaga led the futuristic charge with an iridescent sculptured co-creation with Giorgio Armani that created the biggest bang at Los Angeles’ Staples Center.

Single Ladies chanteuse Beyonce couldn’t have chosen a more fitting colour for her mermaid-inspired gown as she scooped an armful of the gilt gramophone trophies.

Rihanna also went for a statement silhouette with a cascading ivory Elie Saab offering.

It was unusual to see no-nonsense rock chick Pink in a divinely demure full-length fish-scale-like grey-to-black design with jewelled neckline and waistband.

There was a touch of the sci-fi to Taylor Swift’s effortlessly sophisticated Kaufman Franco midnight blue off-the-shoulder dress. But the jury is still out on Katy Perry’s gold and champagne Zac Posen number with daisy detailing.

Only Jennifer Lopez bridged the gap between the full-length and thigh-skimming designs, showing off her curves in a space age Versace creation: a bold strapless body-con with chain mail and white chiffon overlay.

Nine star Fergie, right, continued the fashion journey into deep space with a gold and cobalt micro mini dress by Emilio Pucci. The Black Eyed Peas singer was among a clutch of stars who shunned floor-length frocks to show off their pins.

It was a mini battle between teen star Miley Cyrus, sporting a ladder-effect grey power dress, and the long-sleeved dazzle of model Heidi Klum’s nude and rose Pucci creation.

Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson showed off her slender post-baby figure in a geometric black two-piece by none other than Victoria Beckham.

The effect was stellar red carpet fashion, but not as we know it.