Love ‘em or hate ‘em, a bejeweled Judith Leiber clutch is as recognizable as arm candy comes.

Go to any society function, Bar Mitzvah or award show red carpet and be treated to a dazzling light show in the form of a parrot, polar bear or–yes– a bundle of asparagus.

It’s no secret that the loud collector’s pieces are carried and loved by a slightly older fan base (and who can forget Carrie Bradshaw’s kiss off to Mr. Big after he gave her a gaudy crystallized cup cake?).

But last night, as the 46-year old brand celebrated the opening of their new Rodeo Drive digs, we realized how fly the formal bags really are.

Sleek, simpler styles include clutches clad in silver anaconda skin, minaudieres wrapped in scarlet-colored satin and, the clear focus of last night’s fete, a jumbo jewel encrusted rectangle that looks like a leftover from a Studio 54 Saturday night (the bag, called Chocolate Bar, also happens to grace the cover of Elle’s October issue along with Victoria Beckham).

A crowd of young, classically stylish starlets including Ginnifer Goodwin, Jessica Capshaw and Jenna Dewan further proved that Leiber’s typical customer is changing shape.

While the plainer pieces are more our pace, we wouldn’t be totally opposed to owning a quirky crystal farm animal, flower or frog. In fact, we think it would inspire some excellent conversation and, undoubtedly, more than a few laughs.

But the asparagus? We’ll leave that one to the ladies who lunch.

Judith Leiber, 220 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills.

Photos courtesy of Judith Leiber and Jesse Grant/WireImage.com, Stefanie Keenan/WireImage.com