Hannah Waddingham's most memorable red carpet accessory was not a designer handbag, it was a handmade cardboard clutch created by her nine-year-old daughter. The heartwarming moment from February 2024 remains a memorable red carpet story, after the Ted Lasso star proudly carried the sentimental accessory at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles.
Waddingham arrived at the ceremony on 24 February looking every inch the Hollywood star in a shimmering red foil gown by Tony Ward Couture, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, thigh-high split and train.
But rather than carrying a luxury clutch to complement the couture look, she held onto something far more personal: a colourful handmade bag created by her daughter, Kitty. Decorated with colourful drawings and the word 'Epic' across the front, the cardboard creation stood out against Waddingham's glamorous ensemble.
And the explanation behind the unusual accessory made the moment even sweeter.
Her Daughter's Handmade Clutch
Waddingham revealed on the red carpet that Kitty had wanted to contribute something to her mother's big night by making her own handbag. The nine-year-old even had a playful explanation for the design, telling her mother: 'Mummy, it goes with everything and nothing, like you say.'
Waddingham decided to take the handmade clutch with her despite the highly polished standards of awards-season fashion. The contrast between the homemade accessory and Waddingham's couture gown made the moment particularly memorable.
The clutch had none of the luxury finishes normally associated with a major Hollywood red carpet. Instead, its appeal came from the fact that it had been made especially for Waddingham by her daughter. The handmade bag provided an unexpected contrast to the carefully styled gowns and accessories on display at the awards ceremony.
The Sweet Story Behind Her 2024 Red Carpet Look
The occasion was already an important one for Waddingham, who was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role as Rebecca Welton in Ted Lasso. She arrived dressed for the occasion in the dramatic Tony Ward Couture creation, while the handmade clutch added a personal touch to the otherwise glamorous look.
Waddingham has previously spoken openly about raising her daughter as a single mother and balancing family life with her career. Against that background, her decision to take Kitty's creation onto the red carpet offered a glimpse of the family life behind the actress's public image.
Rather than leaving the homemade bag at home, Waddingham embraced it as part of one of Hollywood's biggest awards nights. The clutch was a striking contrast to the designer fashion surrounding it.
It was a gift from her daughter, made especially for Waddingham.
And while the red Tony Ward gown delivered the expected awards-season glamour, the little cardboard clutch decorated with colourful artwork and proudly labelled 'Epic' added a personal detail that no designer handbag could replicate.
The resurfaced story also highlights how a small gesture can become one of the most memorable details of a major red carpet appearance. Amid the couture gowns, cameras and Hollywood glamour, Waddingham's daughter's handmade creation carried a meaning that went beyond fashion, turning an ordinary piece of cardboard into a keepsake tied to a special night in her mother's career.
