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The $1,036 Ice Purse: 5 Shocking Details About Camila Cabello’s Viral Met Gala Accessory

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Camila Cabello once again proved her status as a fashion provocateur at the 2024 Met Gala, but it wasn't her shimmering, 15-pound Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown that stole the show—it was her handbag. The accessory in question? A clutch made entirely of a solid block of ice, an audacious choice that instantly went viral and sparked a frenzy of speculation about its meaning and, more importantly, its staggering rumored cost.

As of late December 2025, the story of the melting "ice purse" remains one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year, perfectly encapsulating the Met Gala's theme of "The Garden of Time" with a powerful visual metaphor for decay and impermanence. The singer has since clarified several major rumors, setting the record straight on everything from the accessory's true price tag to the philosophical concept behind carrying a melting block of water on the world's most exclusive red carpet. This is the definitive breakdown of the most talked-about accessory of the year.

Camila Cabello: A Brief Biography and Fashion Profile

Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao is a Cuban-born American singer and songwriter who first rose to prominence as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony before launching a highly successful solo career. Known for her powerful vocals and Latin-infused pop music, she has consistently made headlines not just for her music but also for her bold and evolving fashion choices.

  • Full Name: Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao
  • Date of Birth: March 3, 1997
  • Place of Birth: Cojímar, Cuba
  • Nationality: Cuban-American
  • Career Start: Auditioned for *The X Factor* in 2012, leading to the formation of Fifth Harmony.
  • Solo Debut: Released her debut solo single "Crying in the Club" in 2017.
  • Signature Hits: "Havana," "Señorita" (with Shawn Mendes), "Bam Bam."
  • Major Fashion Moments: Known for embracing dramatic, romantic, and often conceptual fashion on major red carpets, including the Grammy Awards and the Met Gala.
  • 2024 Met Gala Look: Wore a custom, shimmering, backless gown by Ludovic de Saint Sernin and the viral ice purse clutch.

The Met Gala Masterpiece: Unpacking the 'Garden of Time' Concept

The 2024 Met Gala theme was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," with a dress code of "The Garden of Time." This theme challenged attendees to interpret the concepts of fleeting beauty, decay, and the passage of time. Camila Cabello's entire ensemble, particularly her unique clutch, was a direct and literal interpretation of this complex theme.

A Literal Symbol of Impermanence

Camila Cabello explained that the entire look was meant to represent "impermanence," a concept central to the "Garden of Time" dress code. The ice purse, designed by artist Jane Wade, was not just a prop; it was a living, melting sculpture. By choosing an accessory that was guaranteed to decay and disappear throughout the night, Cabello offered a profound commentary on the fleeting nature of beauty and time itself.

The clutch itself was a simple, rectangular block of solid ice. Frozen inside the ice was a single, delicate copper rose. The rose, a traditional symbol of beauty and love, was encased in a temporary, melting medium, emphasizing the idea that all beautiful things are ultimately subject to the ravages of time and decay. As Cabello walked the red carpet and attended the exclusive event, the ice melted, leaving only the copper rose behind—a perfect, poignant metaphor for the theme.

The artist behind the concept, Jane Wade, specializes in material design and conceptual pieces, making her the ideal collaborator for such a unique fashion statement. The process of carrying the melting accessory was a performance in itself, with visible droplets of water falling from the clutch throughout the evening.

Debunking the $25,000 Rumor: The True Cost of the Viral Clutch

One of the biggest headlines surrounding the ice purse was a viral rumor that the unique accessory cost a staggering $25,000. This figure immediately fueled online outrage and endless debates about the extravagance of celebrity fashion. However, Camila Cabello quickly shut down the rumor during an appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*.

The Real Price Tag: Water, Frozen!

In the interview, Cabello clarified the absurd rumor with a simple, hilarious explanation: "Guys, it's water, frozen!". She stressed that the main material was essentially free. The true cost, she explained, was for the conceptual idea and the time of the designer, Jane Wade.

Sources close to the team, including designer Jane Wade and stylist Jared Ellner, confirmed the actual cost was dramatically lower than the viral number. The breakdown of the true cost is a fascinating insight into the world of conceptual art and high fashion:

  • Designer Fee (Jane Wade): Approximately $1,000 for the idea, consultation, and execution of the concept.
  • Materials: Minimal, involving water, a mold, and a dried copper rose, which Cabello noted was sourced from a craft supplies site like Etsy.
  • Total Estimated Cost: Around $1,036.

This revelation turned the narrative on its head. What was initially perceived as an act of extreme luxury was, in fact, an accessible, conceptual art piece that cleverly used an ordinary material (ice) to make an extraordinary statement. The story of the ice purse became less about wealth and more about creativity, concept, and the power of a simple, thought-provoking idea.

The Legacy of the Melting Clutch: A New Era of Conceptual Accessories

The "ice purse" is more than just a viral moment; it represents a growing trend in high fashion where accessories are used as conceptual art rather than just status symbols. Cabello’s choice has inspired numerous discussions about sustainable and temporary fashion, pushing the boundaries of what a luxury item can be.

The accessory has been cited as a major moment for Conceptual Fashion and Performance Art on the red carpet. It forced the audience to engage with the theme of the event on an intellectual level, moving beyond the typical focus on fabric, jewels, and price.

Topical Entities and Related Concepts

The widespread discussion generated by this single accessory highlights its significance in modern pop culture and fashion discourse. Key entities and concepts relevant to this moment include:

  • Met Gala 2024 (The Met Ball)
  • The Garden of Time (Dress Code)
  • Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion (Exhibition Theme)
  • Ludovic de Saint Sernin (Dress Designer)
  • Jane Wade (Ice Purse Designer/Material Artist)
  • Jared Ellner (Stylist)
  • Imperfection and Decay (Philosophical Concept)
  • Conceptual Art
  • Performance Fashion
  • Viral Accessories
  • Jimmy Fallon (*The Tonight Show* Interview)
  • Fifth Harmony (Camila's former group)
  • Sustainable Fashion (As the accessory was water)
  • Cuban-American Singer (Camila's heritage)
  • Copper Rose (Item frozen inside the ice)

In a world obsessed with permanence and expensive handbags, Camila Cabello's melting ice purse was a beautiful, temporary rebellion. It proved that the most memorable accessory isn't always the one that costs the most, but the one that makes you think the most. It solidified her position not just as a pop star, but as a thoughtful artist willing to take risks and use the global stage to deliver a powerful, melting message.

camila cabello ice purse
camila cabello ice purse

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