5 Shocking Secrets Behind Camila Cabello's Viral Ice Purse At The Met Gala 2024
Camila Cabello's accessory choice at the Met Gala 2024 instantly became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year, sparking a viral sensation that continues to dominate searches as of December 22, 2025. Instead of a traditional clutch, the Cuban-American singer carried a literal, melting block of ice, a choice that was far more than a mere fashion statement; it was a profound piece of performance art designed to capture the very essence of the event's theme.
This unique "ice purse" was a deliberate, conceptual choice that perfectly aligned with the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme and the "The Garden of Time" dress code, symbolizing the beauty of decay and the fleeting nature of time, or "impermanence." The accessory—which contained a single, dried rose—was the final, captivating detail that completed her stunning, crystal-embellished gown and cemented her look as one of the most memorable of the evening.
Camila Cabello: A Brief Biography and Career Highlights
Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao, born on March 3, 1997, is a Cuban-born American singer, songwriter, and actress.
- Full Name: Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao
- Born: March 3, 1997, in Havana, Cuba
- Nationality: Cuban-American
- Early Career: Rose to prominence in 2012 as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony after auditioning on the US version of *The X Factor*.
- Solo Success: Began her solo career in 2016. Her debut solo album, *Camila* (2018), reached number one on the US Billboard 200.
- Signature Hits: Known globally for chart-topping singles like "Havana" and the Grammy-nominated duet "Señorita" with Shawn Mendes.
- Acting Debut: Starred as the titular character in the 2021 musical film *Cinderella*.
The Profound Meaning of the Ice Block Clutch: Impermanence and Decay
The decision to carry a melting block of ice was the result of a deep conceptual collaboration between Cabello, her stylist Jared Ellner, and the creative team. The accessory was not chosen for its aesthetic beauty alone, but as a direct, tangible interpretation of the Met Gala's thematic elements.
A Symbol of "The Garden of Time"
The 2024 Met Gala dress code, "The Garden of Time," was inspired by a 1962 short story by J.G. Ballard. Cabello explained that her entire look, including her Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown, was about the idea of "impermanence." The gown itself, a stunning, floor-length piece covered in 250,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals, was designed to look like it was "ripping" or "decaying" from the ravages of time.
The Melting Rose: Beauty in Decay
The ice clutch contained a single, small, dried rose, which was visible through the transparent ice. This element was crucial to the meaning. As the ice melted throughout the evening, it represented the unstoppable passage of time and the eventual decay of beauty. The dried rose inside the ice symbolized a preserved memory or a "sleeping beauty" waiting to be reawakened, perfectly tying into the core theme of the Costume Institute exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."
Cabello herself noted that the purse was "water, frozen" and emphasized the concept. The melting process was a live, visible performance of the theme, a dynamic accessory that changed and vanished over the course of the night, making it truly unique among the static outfits on the red carpet.
The Designer, The Cost, and The Viral Price Controversy
While the conceptual depth was lauded, the accessory also generated significant online buzz and controversy regarding its supposed cost, which Camila Cabello later addressed directly.
Who Designed the Ice Clutch?
The actual ice clutch was a custom creation by designer Jane Wade. Wade is credited with the idea and the execution of the unique material—pure, frozen water—which was originally intended to be a purse with straps but ultimately became a clutch. The collaboration was a testament to the power of using unconventional materials to convey a complex artistic message at a high-profile event like the Met Gala.
The Shocking True Cost Revealed
Almost immediately, rumors swirled online that the custom, handcrafted piece of melting ice was incredibly expensive, with figures as high as $22,500 being widely reported. This figure became a major point of discussion, adding to the viral nature of the look.
However, the singer and her team quickly debunked the exaggerated cost. According to her stylist, Jared Ellner, the actual cost was significantly lower. The designer, Jane Wade, was paid $1,000 for her concept and time. The total reported cost for the accessory was approximately $1,036, making the viral $22.5K figure a massive exaggeration. Cabello herself later discussed the matter, humorously mentioning the "meltdown" of the purse and the controversy on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* and on a 'Community live.'
The Impact of the Melting Accessory
The Camila Cabello ice purse achieved exactly what a successful Met Gala look is meant to do: it generated conversation, connected directly to the theme, and showcased a bold, unique vision. The look was a perfect example of "reawakening fashion" by using a material—ice—that is inherently impermanent and outside the traditional realm of high fashion accessories. It was a refreshing departure from purely aesthetic choices, forcing fashion critics and fans alike to engage with the deeper, philosophical meaning of the ensemble. The viral moment proved that sometimes, the most priceless accessory is one that is literally melting away.
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