The Met Gala is spring’s most fashionable event and an excellent excuse for our favorite stars to be as bold as they dare on the red carpet. It is, after all, an affair where unique sartorial choices are encouraged. There were plenty of gorgeous ball gowns and standout heels, but these looks would not be complete without the bags that finished the outfits.
The 2014 Met Gala paid tribute to legendary Anglo-American couturier Charles James with the theme “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” Known for his sculptural gowns and architectural innovation, James’s legacy set the tone for one of the most glamorous Met Galas in history. The event also marked the grand reopening of the Costume Institute’s newly renovated space, renamed the Anna Wintour Costume Center, and featured an exhibition highlighting James’s groundbreaking designs.
Fittingly, the red carpet showcased stars embracing opulence, structure, and artistry—not just in their gowns, but also in their accessories. Here are five celebrities who attended the 2014 Met Gala carrying standout clutches that completed their unforgettable looks:
1. Jessica Alba Glows in Gold With a Matching DVF Sutra Clutch
Jessica Alba was a bronzed goddess in a custom-made lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg. To finish her gilded look, she carried a DVF “Sutra” clutch that matched the dress perfectly.
Jessica Alba radiates Old Hollywood glamour in a custom gold lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg, accessorized with a matching metallic DVF Sutra clutch at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Andres Otero / Rob Rich)
Jessica Alba complements her gold lace Diane von Furstenberg gown with a matching metallic DVF Sutra clutch, finishing the look with a deep red manicure for a classic, glamorous touch
2. Charlize Theron Exudes Elegance With Dior Satin Clutch
This statuesque beauty can do no wrong in our eyes as she constantly impresses us on the red carpet. Charlize Theron looked regal in a monochrome Dior Couture gown matched with a Dior satin clutch that topped off her elegant ensemble.
Charlize Theron stuns in a black-and-white Dior Couture gown with a dramatic train, completing her look with a structured black jacket and a white satin Dior clutch
Charlize Theron accessorizes her monochrome Dior gown with a structured white satin clutch featuring gold hardware, paired with a bold diamond cocktail ring and a classic nude manicure
3. Lily Allen Adds Whimsy With a Candy-Inspired Clutch
Adding a whimsical detail to her tiered Chanel Couture gown, Lily Allen chose a quirky candy clutch to offset her glam look. The cute baby pink clutch was designed to look like it was stuffed with loads of delectable candy.
Lily Allen adds a touch of whimsy to her Chanel Couture gown with a baby pink candy-themed clutch adorned with colorful embellishments
Lily Allen shows off her playful side with a candy-filled clutch, oversized diamond rings and bracelets, and bold nail art featuring black-and-white graphic designs
4. Diane Kruger’s Pearl Edie Parker Clutch Complements Her Ice Blue Gown
Diane Kruger opted for a pearly Edie Parker “Jean” clutch to complement her ice blue Hugo Boss gown. Although we wish the clutch were in a different color so it would contrast with her pale frock, we still love the pearlescent glow of this purse.
Diane Kruger exudes icy elegance in a pale blue Hugo Boss gown, perfectly complemented by a pearlescent Edie Parker “Jean” clutch
Diane Kruger carries a pearlescent Edie Parker “Jean” clutch that complements the icy tones of her Hugo Boss gown, paired with a delicate diamond ring and a clean, pale pink manicure
5. Amy Adams Dazzles in Silver With a Bedazzled Oscar de la Renta Clutch
It was all about the glitz and glam for Amy Adams at the Met event. She was a stunner in an Oscar de la Renta silver gown that looked good enough for the Oscars. She accessorized with David Webb diamond jewelry and a bedazzled Oscar de la Renta Crown Goa clutch that matched the sparkle of her diamond pieces.
Amy Adams shines in a silver strapless Oscar de la Renta gown, accessorized with statement diamond jewelry and a sparkling Oscar de la Renta Crown Goa clutch
Amy Adams pairs her shimmering silver Oscar de la Renta Crown Goa clutch with dazzling David Webb diamond jewelry and a soft nude manicure, adding refined elegance to her red carpet look
From its modest beginnings as a charity fundraiser to its current role as fashion’s most anticipated night, the Met Gala has become a global stage for bold style statements and meticulously curated looks. Among the standout elements that complete each ensemble are the bags and clutches—accessories that often say as much as the outfits themselves. Let’s take a closer look at some unforgettable Met Gala bag moments that helped define red carpet fashion history.
Unforgettable Met Gala Bag and Clutch Moments
The Met Gala is renowned for its extravagant fashion statements, and accessories often take center stage. Here are some memorable bag and clutch moments from the event:
Gisele Bündchen’s Vintage Chanel Clutch
- Event: 2023 Met Gala – “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
- Outfit: Gisele Bündchen wore a vintage Chanel Haute Couture gown from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, previously photographed by Karl Lagerfeld himself.
- Accessories: She complemented her look with a Chanel clutch, strappy heels, and white gold and diamond jewelry.
- Read more: Gisele Bündchen Spreads Her Wings in Vintage Chanel at 2023 Met Gala
Selena Gomez’s Personalized Coach Clutch
- Event: 2017 Met Gala – “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between”
- Outfit: Selena Gomez donned a custom Coach gown with delicate lace detailing.
- Accessories: She carried a custom Coach clutch engraved with the phrase “love yourself first,” a nod to her tattoo, and wore bronze studded ankle-strap sandals.
- Read more: Selena Gomez & The Weeknd’s Met Gala Debut
Solange Knowles’ Edie Parker ‘Flavia’ Clutch
- Event: 2012 Met Gala – “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”
- Outfit: Solange Knowles wore a canary-yellow Rachel Roy dress with peplum detailing.
- Accessories: She accessorized with a silver-and-gold Edie Parker ‘Flavia’ clutch, Jennifer Fisher jewels, and Sergio Rossi heels.
- Read more: Met Gala Jewels: Dazzling Diamonds or Costume Catastrophes
Kacey Musgraves’ Barbie-Inspired Blow Dryer Purse
- Event: 2019 Met Gala – “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
- Outfit: Kacey Musgraves transformed into a life-size Barbie doll in a Moschino outfit styled with a long matching stole and a flowing blonde wig.
- Accessories: She carried a hot pink hairdryer-shaped purse, wore silver Stessy shoes from Aldo, and adorned herself with Forevermark diamond jewelry.
- Read more: Real-Life Barbie Kacey Musgraves With Hot Pink Blow Dryer Purse
Olsen Twins’ The Row Bags
- Event: 2016 Met Gala – “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”
- Outfit: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen showcased their signature oversized, monotone looks.
- Accessories: Ashley carried The Row’s Happy Hour 7 Chain bag, while Mary-Kate opted for the boho-inspired Ascot Satin bag, both from their own brand.
- Read more: Olsen Twins Reign at 2016 Met Gala in The Row Bags
These iconic accessories have left a lasting impression on the Met Gala’s fashion history, showcasing the importance of statement pieces in completing a red carpet look.