Adele and Emile Sandé  were among the big winners at the Brit awards, while emerging singer-songwriter Ben Howard walked away with two awards at London's O2 arena.

 Adele picked up the Best British Single prize for the signature James Bond theme Skyfall, while Sandé fended off stiff competition to win Best Female Artist.

One Direction's meteoric rise to fame was recognised with the Global Success award, while Coldplay, the Black Keys and Frank Ocean all picked up gongs.

Howard emerged triumphant in both the British Male and British Breakthrough Act categories, as his melodic folk music continues to draw legions of new followers.

As always at the Brits, events on the red carpet outside the arena attracted as much attention as anything that took place inside. Some of the world's most beautiful women were out in force, wowing crowds with an array of dazzling outfits as they made their way to the ceremony.

Taylor Swift looked gorgeous in a black Elie Saab dress, which she combined with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and Neil Lane jewels.

Jessie J wore a black long-sleeved gown from the Versace Pre-Fall 2013 collection with a daring deep V-neck which was accented with a gold belt and a Medusa buckle. She kept the look simple with minimum make up and combined it with black Jimmy Choo Anouk pumps.

Rita Ora opted for a Ulyana Sergeenko couture gown which was matched with Cartier jewels, a custom-made snake ring by Jennifer Fisher and a Gucci bag.  

Bond girl Berenice Marlohe looked ravishing in a figure-hugging silver Donna Karan Atelier gown and crimson-stone drop earrings.

Lana Del Rey, who won the award for International Female Solo Artist and was accompanied by boyfriend Barrie James O'Neill, looked elegant in a black Chanel dress and combined it with Jimmy Choo shoes.

Brit Awards 2013 Winners 

Best Female Solo Artist -  Emeli Sandé

British Breakthrough Act - Ben Howard

British Male - Ben Howard

British Live Act - Coldplay

British Single - Adele - Skyfall 

International Group - The Black Keys

International Male - Frank Ocean

Special Recognition - Warchild 

British Album - Emeli Sandé - Our Version of Events

Global Success - One Direction

Take a look at the best and worst dressed celebrities on the red carpet...

British singer Jessie J arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

U.S. singer Taylor Swift arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Singer Emeli Sande arrives for the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013

Singer Rita Ora arrives for the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

French actress Berenice Marlohe arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Pop group Stooshe arrive for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Bat For Lashes arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Singer Katherine Jenkins arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Corinne Bailey Rae arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.

Singer Paloma Faith arrives for the BRIT Awards, celebrating British pop music, at the O2 Arena in London February 20, 2013.