Met Gala 2013 Exclusive: Celebrity Red Carpet Clutches That Stole the Spotlight

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If Galas had a queen bee, it would be the Met. It’s the one event where the rich, stylish, and famous get together to showcase their most fashionable red carpet-looks. We’re not talkin’ Oscar-worthy ball gowns here. We mean outfits that are delightfully risky and never seen before.

Each year, attendees decide what to wear based on a set theme. For 2013, it’s all about Punk: Chaos to Couture, so think studs, spikes, shine, and gold (or at least that’s how we understand it).

The Met took place yesterday. Like clockwork, celebrities, models, designers, and fashion figures paraded their designer dresses and heels for shutterbugs and fanatics (like us) to see. And because we’re bag-crazy, even the tiniest of clutches didn’t escape our attention. Check out the fancy purses we spotted at the Met. Who do you think had the best-looking arm candy of the night?

1. Ashley Greene’s Golden Moment at the Met Gala

Honestly, we didn’t like Ashley’s gold-embellished Marchesa gown. It’s not that the gown was awful, but it sure swallowed her up.

Ashley Greene's Marchesa gown may have been overwhelming, but her gold hardcase clutch was a standoutAshley Greene’s Marchesa gown may have been overwhelming, but her gold hardcase clutch was a standout (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

We love the gold hard case she wore it with, a piece from the same label.

Ashley Greene complemented her elaborate gold-embellished Marchesa gown with a stunning gold hard case clutch at the Met GalaAshley Greene complemented her elaborate gold-embellished Marchesa gown with a stunning gold hard case clutch at the Met Gala (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

2. Kylie Minogue’s Moschino Elegance at the Met

Kylie Minogue was one of the few who attended the Met looking less punk and more promlike.

Kylie Minogue dazzles in a Moschino dress paired with a tiny, crystal-studded clutch at the Met GalaKylie Minogue dazzles in a Moschino dress paired with a tiny, crystal-studded clutch at the Met Gala (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

She was among the few women who paired their dresses with extra small purses. Seriously, the one she brought was extremely tiny, but it was also quite exquisite. It had crystals and studs all over, and it just looked precious.

Kylie Minogue's petite accessory, adorned with crystals and studs, was a perfect complement to her outfit, balancing her less punk and more prom-like Moschino dressKylie Minogue’s petite accessory, adorned with crystals and studs, was a perfect complement to her outfit, balancing her less punk and more prom-like Moschino dress (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Kylie Minogue added a touch of sparkle to her ensemble at the Met Gala with a crystal-studded clutchKylie Minogue added a touch of sparkle to her ensemble at the Met Gala with a crystal-studded clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

3. Emma Roberts Dazzles in Diane von Furstenberg

Emma Roberts was simple but stunning in her DVF gown. The dress had an embellished waistline that matched her metallic purse. Do you like her look?

Emma Roberts shines in a Diane von Furstenberg gown, elegantly matched with a metallic clutchEmma Roberts shines in a Diane von Furstenberg gown, elegantly matched with a metallic clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Emma Roberts's dress was matched perfectly with a metallic clutchEmma Roberts’s dress was matched perfectly with a metallic clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

4. Cara Delevingne’s Punk Chic in Burberry

Cara Delevingne was the epitome of punk last night. Everything about her outfit (just as her makeup), including the catchy white studded drawstring pouch she used for a clutch, spelled edgy and rock ’n roll.

Cara Delevingne channels punk chic in Burberry, accessorized with a studded white clutchCara Delevingne channels punk chic in Burberry, accessorized with a studded white clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Cara Delevingne's look was perfectly accented with a catchy white studded drawstring pouch used as a clutchCara Delevingne’s look was perfectly accented with a catchy white studded drawstring pouch used as a clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

5. Christina Ricci’s Bold Plaid in Vivienne Westwood

Christina Ricci sure stood out in her plaid gown last evening. She complemented the outfit with lots of bling, too. Even her black-framed clutch sported a jeweled clasp that was hard to ignore. Do you dig her purse?

Christina Ricci makes a bold statement in a plaid Vivienne Westwood gown with a jewel-clasped clutchChristina Ricci makes a bold statement in a plaid Vivienne Westwood gown with a jewel-clasped clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Christina Ricci complemented this eye-catching dress with a sophisticated black framed clutch that featured a jeweled claspChristina Ricci complemented this eye-catching dress with a sophisticated black framed clutch that featured a jeweled clasp (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

6. Elizabeth Banks Shines in Atelier Versace

One of our favorite faces at the Met Ball was Elizabeth Banks. Her ultra-glam glittery gold tuxedo jacket (worn as a dress) was to die for. And here’s the thing: She paired it with the perfect extras.

Elizabeth Banks steals the show in an Atelier Versace glittery gold tuxedo jacket and a chic studded clutchElizabeth Banks steals the show in an Atelier Versace glittery gold tuxedo jacket and a chic studded clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Her fringed heels were stunning. And even more sublime was the studded clutch she had in her hand.

Elizabeth Banks paired her ultra-glamorous gold tuxedo jacket, worn as a dress, with a perfectly matched studded clutch at the Met GalaElizabeth Banks paired her ultra-glamorous gold tuxedo jacket, worn as a dress, with a perfectly matched studded clutch at the Met Gala (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

7. Kate Bosworth’s Balmain Brilliance

Kate was stunning in her ultra-embellished Balmain creation.

Kate Bosworth mesmerizes in an intricately embellished Balmain mini dress, complemented by a sophisticated black clutchKate Bosworth mesmerizes in an intricately embellished Balmain mini dress, complemented by a sophisticated black clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

The mini dress, sold as a top, looked exquisite on her. She paired it with a black clutch that was just as exquisitely decorated.

Kate Bosworth carried a black clutch that was exquisitely decoratedKate Bosworth carried a black clutch that was exquisitely decorated (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

8. Miranda Kerr’s Elegant Edginess in Michael Kors

Miranda Kerr was not exactly “punky” last night, but she was sexy as he**.

Miranda Kerr gracefully balanced elegance and edge at the Met Gala, wearing a simple, sleek cutout gown by Michael KorsMiranda Kerr gracefully balanced elegance and edge at the Met Gala, wearing a simple, sleek cutout gown by Michael Kors (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

She paired her simple cutout gown with a spiked clutch from Louboutin — the Marquise.

Miranda Kerr toted a daring spiked clutch from Louboutin, named MarquiseMiranda Kerr toted a daring spiked clutch from Louboutin named Marquise (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

9. Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney’s Blue Ensemble

Both ladies stood out in their blue dresses. But their stunning purses were what caught our attention.

Cameron Diaz and Stella McCartney both made striking appearances at the Met Gala, each showcasing their unique style through their choice of blue frocks and distinct clutchesCameron Diaz and Stella McCartney both made striking appearances at the Met Gala, each showcasing their unique style through their choice of blue dresses and distinct clutches (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Cameron held a woodlike piece trimmed with gold in her hand, while designer Stella McCartney carried a round plexiglass box clutch from her collection.

Cameron Diaz carried a wood-like clutch with gold trim, adding a rustic yet elegant touch to her outfitCameron Diaz carried a wood-like clutch with gold trim, adding a rustic yet elegant touch to her outfit (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Stella McCartney opted for a modern look with a round plexiglass box clutch from her collectionStella McCartney opted for a modern look with a round plexiglass box clutch from her collection (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

10. Emily Blunt’s Understated Elegance in Carolina Herrera

Emily Blunt was simple and classy in her tight, keyhole-detailed LBD, but she paired it with just enough sparkle and shine to get noticed.

Emily Blunt opted for classic elegance at the Met Gala, wearing a sleek Carolina Herrera little black dress with a keyhole detail that added a subtle yet chic touchEmily Blunt opted for classic elegance at the Met Gala, wearing a sleek Carolina Herrera little black dress with a keyhole detail that added a subtle yet chic touch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

The gold barrel clutch she used with the dress is a case in point.

Emily Blunt paired her refined look with a gold barrel clutchEmily Blunt paired her refined look with a gold barrel clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

11. Diane Kruger’s Chanel Chic with a Punk Twist

One of the best-dressed at the Met was Diane Kruger. She channeled romantic rock and finished her black lace dress with seriously studded and spiked arm candy. We love the bag to bits here. Can you help us ID it?

Diane Kruger was a standout at the Met Gala, expertly balancing romantic and rock styles in her Chanel ensembleDiane Kruger was a standout at the Met Gala, expertly balancing romantic and rock styles in her Chanel ensemble (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Diane Kruger completed her look with a dramatic, studded and spiked clutch that perfectly captured the event's punk themeDiane Kruger completed her look with a dramatic, studded, and spiked clutch that perfectly captured the event’s punk theme (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

12. Nicole Richie’s All-White Topshop Look

Nicole Richie’s white hair and white Topshop dress were another great look from the Met event.

But the accessories she paired the outfit with were just as mind-blowing — a mega-sized ruby ring plus a glam gold clutch from her collection.

Nicole Richie brought a distinctive style to the Met Gala with her all-white ensemble, featuring a sleek, cutout gown from TopshopNicole Richie brought a distinctive style to the Met Gala with her all-white ensemble, featuring a sleek, cutout gown from Topshop (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Nicole Richie's look was dramatically accessorized with a glamorous gold clutch from her own House of Harlow collectionNicole Richie’s look was dramatically accessorized with a glamorous gold clutch from her own House of Harlow collection (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

13. Jennifer Lopez’s Diva Moment in Michael Kors

Jennifer looked every bit the diva in her patterned Michael Kors gown last night. She kept everything else understated, including her clutch.

Jennifer Lopez showcased her trademark diva style at the Met Gala with a stunning, intricately patterned Michael Kors gownJennifer Lopez showcased her trademark diva style at the Met Gala with a stunning, intricately patterned Michael Kors gown (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

The purse was black and tiny but also quite glittery, so it still took a bit of the spotlight.

Jennifer Lopez chose a small but glittery black clutch that, despite its modest size, managed to capture a share of the spotlightJennifer Lopez chose a small but glittery black clutch that, despite its modest size, managed to capture a share of the spotlight (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

14. Rita Ora’s Thakoon Dress: Simple Yet Elegant

Rita Ora opted to dress down at the Met Gala for some reason. She chose a white dress that exposed a little bit of skin. It wasn’t exactly showstopping, but it was elegant and immaculate. On the other hand, her purse (and nails) took center stage.

Rita Ora opted for an elegant and slightly understated approach at the Met Gala, wearing a simple white Thakoon gown that gracefully showed off a hint of skinRita Ora opted for an elegant and slightly understated approach at the Met Gala, wearing a simple white Thakoon gown that gracefully showed off a hint of skin (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Rita Ora's look was punctuated by an eye-catching purse that, along with her vibrant nails, brought a touch of glamour and flair to her ensembleRita Ora’s look was punctuated by an eye-catching purse that, along with her vibrant nails, brought a touch of glamour and flair to her ensemble (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

15. Gwen Stefani’s Timeless Style in Maison Martin Margiela

Gwen Stefani, rocker mom and fashion entrepreneur, kept it classic in black and white at the event. She finished her gown with a white croc-embossed clutch that was pretty understated yet still deserving a second glance.

Gwen Stefani exudes timeless elegance in a Maison Martin Margiela gown, paired with a croc-embossed clutchGwen Stefani exudes timeless elegance in a Maison Martin Margiela gown paired with a croc-embossed clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

Gwen Stefani complemented her stylish gown with a white croc-embossed clutchGwen Stefani complemented her stylish gown with a white croc-embossed clutch (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

16. Jaime King’s Topshop Suit with Alexander McQueen Clutch

Jaime King was one of the few who walked the Met red carpet in a satin trouser suit. She chose a pair and wore a lace top underneath for added drama.

Jaime King made a bold fashion statement at the Met Gala by choosing a chic trouser-suit paired with a dramatic lace topJaime King made a bold fashion statement at the Met Gala by choosing a chic trouser-suit paired with a dramatic lace top (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)

A sparkly headpiece and a not-so-hard-to-miss black-and-white clutch finished her look. Jaime’s clutch is from Alexander McQueen.

Jaime King's look was completed with a striking Alexander McQueen black-and-white clutch, featuring a unique design that added an extra layer of sophistication to her ensembleJaime King’s look was completed with a striking Alexander McQueen black-and-white clutch featuring a unique design that added an extra layer of sophistication to her ensemble (Credit: Andres Otero / Patricia Schlein / WENN)