Cheryl Cole's red hot dress reveals her secret helpers - a bit of tape to hold it - and  built in underwear

By Jody Thompson and Sarah Fitzmaurice
Updated: 11:36 EDT, 15 February 2011

Stepping out at in a stunning floor-length Alexander McQueen gown, Cheryl Cole looked every inch the red carpet royal.

As she arrived at the Elle Style Awards the singer was looking stunning in the simple scarlet floor-length gown, but if her appearance looked effortless, subtle clues suggested she did have a little help and uses tricks of the trade to ensure she is looking perfect.

A rogue piece of fashion body tape was clearly visible popping out of the side of her dress and as the cameras flashed a built-in pair of knickers could clearly be see through the gown.

Best music: Cheryl was awarded the gong for her music and beamed as she flew the flag for British designers in her Alexander McQueen dress

Not so secret support: Cheryl's fashion tape could be clearly seen poking out of the side of her dress

The 27-year-old X Factor judge matched the gorgeous scarlet frock with bright red lipstick, a golden tan, a small clutch bag and had her hair styled around one side of her head.

The beaming singer picked up the gong for Musician Of The Year at London’s Grand Connaught rooms and seemed to thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations as she sipped on red wine and chatted to guests at her table situated just in front of the stage.

But while other stars mingled at the after-party bash, enjoying a spot of djing by Boy George, Cheryl made her exit early.

Blake, who split from co-star Penn Badgley last October posed for pictures in her cut own gown with Dolce and Gabanna model David Gandy.

And the actress was not the only one to flash some flesh with hostess with the most Alex Chung flaunting a fabulous midriff in a blue YSL gown and Geri Halliwell donned a striped white dress with sheer paneling.

But while many stars had clearly spent hours primping and preening ahead of the awards Helena Christensen said she picked up her pastel-print Saloni dress just an hour before the bash.

Lady in red: Cheryl Cole took to the red carpet in a simple yet stunning Alexander McQueen scarlet gown at the Elle style awards with matching lipstick and wore her hair on the side of her head

Emma Watson, 20, was making it three nights out in a row at the bash - and followed last night's nude floor-length gown at the film awards with another nude creation - this time, a Hakaan mini dress with daring cutaway sides.

The Harry Potter star landed the top award as Style Icon at the bash - and was presented with her gong by designer Vivienne Westwood, who rather embarrassingly confessed on stage that she didn't know who the actress was.

Watson said she was overwhelmed to be called a 'style icon' and tried not to focus on having her style emulated by young girls.

Proud winner: Cheryl Cole posed behind her Musician Of The Year Elle Style Award and couldn't stop smiling behind the glass gong

Perfect in Pucci: Blake Lively picked up the Best Actress gong and wowed in her delicate and detailed tiered Pucci dress. She posed with model David Gandy on the red carpet

British beauties: Emma Watson and host Alexa Chung showed off two very different cut-out oufits. Emma shone in a short Hakaan while Alexa opted for YSL

She said: 'It feels amazing. Fashion is something that I love. I try not to think about it too much. I try and block all that off and I just do what I love and just have fun with it. I’ve definitely been feeling the pressure a bit more recently but it’s just fun for me.'

Elle editor Lorraine Candy praised Watson for her individuality, saying: 'She’s got a very distinct individual look. We always say at Elle, "It’s not what you wear, it’s the way you wear it", and she’s got such spirit, Emma. I think that makes her stylish.'

The awards were hosted by TV presenter and model Alexa Chung.

Fashion fans: Noomi Rapace with her award for Breakthrough Talent in sage green, Helena Christensen who picked up the Outstanding Contribution To Fashion gong  and Geri Halliwell dazzling in white  

Fashion backwards and forward: Samantha Cameron in elegant midnight blue, Sophie Ellis Bextor was channelling the 1980s in pastel power-shoulders outfit and Donna Air was in space-age Richard Nicholl

Blake Lively won the award for Best TV Star and Danish supermodel Helena Christensen was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to fashion by designer Matthew Williamson.

Fashion guru and film-maker Tom Ford was named top international designer, while 28-year-old Christopher Kane was named best British designer.

Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, star of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was named Breakthrough Talent.

Purple patch: Pixie Geldof stood out at the Elle Style Awards in London wearing  a purple and white printed backless floor-length gown

The Best Actress prize went to Natalie Portman, who won the same title at last night’s Baftas. The U.S. star was unable to attend the awards as she is heavily pregnant.

But while most of the stars out to celebrate the best in fashion with the women's monthly glossy had worn their chicest outfits some celebrities were pushing the envelope in the edgiest gear they could find.

Back in black: Jo Wood was in a 1970s style maxi dress, Lisa Snowdon wore a classic LBD, while Jaime Winstone kept it characteristically quirky  

Colourful: Thandie Newton was wearing a purple iris Louis Vuitton print dress, Laura Bailey was in quirky pink with a yellow bag and Courtney Love went for white lace

Pixie Geldof was one of the more out-there, turning up with best friend, Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw, with a garish purple and white print floor-length frock with heavy black platform sandals   

Other stars who'd donned their gladdest of rags for one of the UK fashion industry's biggest nights of the year at the Grand Connaught Rooms on Great Queen Street included Fearne Cotton in a puff-sleeved black creation, Sophie Ellis Bextor looking pretty in pastel pink and Lisa Snowdon keeping it simple in an LBD.

Stars making statements included Donna Air in a tinfoil-esque Richard Nicholl silver jumpsuit and Jo Whiley in a black smock with some kind of fairytale farmyard scene printed on the front.

Jameela Jamil was in a sweeping strapless floral confections, whereas Corinne Bailey Rae kept her flower-covered dress short and sweet.  

Jaime Winston was quirky as ever, and Jo Wood rolled back the years with a 1970s inspired black gown with red detailing.

The ceremony's hostess Alexa, a previous recipient of the Editor's Choice Award last year, arrived wearing a dress in an unusual black and blue 1950s-style pattern.

Danish supermodel Helena Christensen meanwhile was wearing an intriguing printed dress featuring a detail of beetles along the belt line.

Thandie Newton went for a tropical looking purple frock and Laura Bailey a dusky pink cocktail dress that looked too big for her.