The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards greeted us with a wave of style and a flash of substance, revealing a bold gathering of the glitterati of the musical and celebrity worlds, united in an eye-popping display of entertainment couture and sass. The controversial ceremony, best known for Kanye West’s hijacking of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, delivered up a slew of trendsetting artists, in both music and dress.

Leighton Meester dazzled wearing a silver Christian Cota dress. She completed her look with Giuseppe Zanotti cut-out boots, a Bottega Veneta clutch and Cathy Waterman jewelry.

Beyonce was spotted in a little red ruffled mini dress.

Katy Perry donned a corset Blonds dress.

Taylor Swift made her way to the red carpet in a stunning one shoulder Kaufman Franco sequined gown. Taylor was dressed to please!

Cassie wore a silk printed mini dress and metallic peep-toe booties.

Alicia Keys opted for a black Dolce & Gabbana dress and toted a quilted silver clutch.

Nelly Furtado chose a black dress with jeweled details on the top.

Olivia Palermo walked the red carpet in a black cut-out dress and carried a red clutch.

Nicky Hilton rocked the event in a black zippered leather mini dress and her favourite pair of studded Christian Louboutin heels. Nothing says MTV style more than a black leather mini dress.

Lady GaGa brought her usual flamboyant style wearing a funky eclectic neo-Victorian Jean Paul Gaultier gown.

Whitney Port opted for a Christopher Kane dress.

Jennifer Lopez stepped out in a Louis Vuitton dress from the Fall 2009 collection and Christian Louboutin peep-toe ankle boots.

Ashley Greene was seen wearing a black corset and D&G skirt.

Lauren Conrad arrived wearing a printed dress and black pumps.

Pink and Shakira both arrived wearing a black embellished Balmain Fall 2009 mini dress.