Brits 2015: Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Kim Kardashian set the red carpet on fire

London's O2 arena was steeped in all the glamour of Hollywood as the biggest names in music from both sides of the Atlantic converged on the famed London venue for the BRIT Awards 2015 to celebrate the best in British music.

Presented by Ant and Dec, who make a triumphant return fourteen years after their last outing as hosts, the glamorous event had the music stars battling it on the red carpet for the fashion awards before the show had even begun.

The US was represented by the likes of pop princess Taylor Swift, Kanye West supported by his wife and reality TV star Kim Kardashian, All Night Long singer Lionel Richie and Madonna. The Material Girl was revealed as the surprise star performer of the night.

A Brits favourite, Swift made a sweeping entrance in a dramatic black floor-length gown with a sheer back, sporting a striking red dragon design.

The 25-year-old singer, who is nominated for International Female Solo Artist, took time out to meet with fans ahead of her live performance on the night.

Kanye West, a last-minute addition to the show's line up, will also take to the stage performing a track from his as-yet-untitled seventh album. Kim Kardashian was spotted wearing a black trouser combo with revealing cutaways.

Meanwhile, flying the flag for the UK are the British stars who are making their name internationally. Fresh from her performance at the Oscars, Rita Ora sparkled in a shimmering sequined gold dress with a bold, plunging neckline. The Voice judge who is nominated for Best Video of the Year showed off her cropped platinum hairstyle matching her elegant look with an ear cuff.

Following his phenomenonal success at the Grammy's, soul singer and man of the moment Sam Smith is predicted to be a big winner on the night. A year after he collected the Critics' Choice title, the 22-year-old is up for Best Male, Best Album and Best Newcomer.

He faces stiff competition from fellow BRIT nominee Ed Sheeran, who is also in the running for British Male, Best Single and Best Video.

The Thinking Out Loud singer showed off a new, smarter look arriving in a suit in contrast with his more casual attire.

Ellie Goulding opted for a romantic flowing white gown with a sheer plunging neckline, accessorizing her outfit with Boucheron jewellery. Singer Paloma Faith showcased her edgy style in a black and red strapless, puffball gown, covered in a paint-splatter design.

The reality music stars were also out in force with an array of X Factor alumni hitting the red carpet en masse. Little Mix were spotted striking a pose in coordinating red, beige and black.

Rebecca Ferguson cut a dramatic figure in a dark crimson dress while X Factor finalist Ella Henderson led the way in the fashion stakes in an elegant black gown with gold embellishments.

The Ghost singer is up for Best Solo British Female, facing competition in the category from FKA Twigs, Jessie Ware, Lily Allen and Paloma Faith.

Commenting on this year's nominees Brits chairman Max Lousada said: "This year's nominations reflect a vintage year for British talent. The mix of new and established acts, the variety of genres represented and the level of global success many of these acts are enjoying shows UK music at its very best and sets the stage for a fantastic show in February."

A host of British stars from TV and cinema also turned out for the glamorous night including guest presenters actor Orlando Bloom, model Karly Kloss, racing driver Lewis Hamilton, TV hosts Melanie Sykes and Holly Willoughby and there was a surprise appearance from former Spice Girls Melanie C and Emma Bunton.

The Brits 2015 is live on ITV at 8pm.