Camila Cabello Reveals Why She Carried a Melting Block of Ice as a 'Purse' to the 2024 Met Gala

Camila Cabello was no ice queen on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet, but her purse was definitely fit for one! 

Among the avant-garde looks taking over the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6 was the “I Luv It” singer’s glacial accessory, which was, quite literally, a melting chunk of ice containing a single copper rose. According to Vogue, the flower was reminiscent of the one on the Met Gala invitation.

While speaking with Extra, Cabello, 27, said that her custom Jane Wade clutch — which was originally supposed to be a purse (presumably one with straps) until it broke — was how she interpreted “The Garden of Time” dress code and "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” theme.

“I feel like it is impermanence and things decaying over time and the beauty in that,” she told the outlet of what inspired her to carry around such a slippery sidepiece.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She also noted that the rips on her Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown, which Vogue reveals weighed 15 pounds and was embellished with 250,000 Swarovski crystals, translated the same message. Even her iridescent makeup and "wet" ponytail, done by Sophia Sinot using L'Orèal Paris products, was meant to highlight the "beauty of impermanence," according to a press release. She also wore jewelry by Ring Concierge and gold heels by Gianvito Rossi.

Throughout the night, the former Fifth Harmony member was repeatedly asked by multiple outlets about the accessory. 

When Variety informed her of Doja Cat’s equally soaking dress, Cabello cheekily responded: “The girls are wet tonight — sorry.” And in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she said that it represents her upcoming album, which she teased is themed around “Miami, melting and the heat.” 

Cabello wasn’t the only one on the carpet committed to channeling the natural elements. 

As expected, many guests showed up in floral ensembles, including co-chairs Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya, the latter changing into a large 1996 Givenchy floral headpiece after her arrival. Tyla, who’s most popular for her song “Water,” replicated the desert in a Balmain gown that gave off the illusion of sculpted sand. Then there was Gabrielle Union, who made waves in a mermaid-inspired gown by Michael Kors Collection.