Judith Leiber 1970's Vintage Red Karung Snake Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 2261-71stDibs: LU2591010062
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Unknown Red Crocodile Fold-Over ClutchLocated in West Palm Beach, FLUnknown Red Crocodile Fold-Over This clutch features a structured style with suede lining that has one interior pocket. It is in good condition with some wear on the skin. Measur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Roberto Cavalli Leopard Silk Print Snake Bracelet BagBy Roberto CavalliLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThe Roberto Cavalli Leopard Silk Print Bracelet Bag is a gold and brown leopard silk print clutch bag with gold leather piping with a removable gold/bronze serpent bracelet as handle. The removable handle has a gold clasp, a gold leather strap that attaches to the metallic snake bracelet. The bracelet can also be removed from the gold mini strap...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Chloe Bronze Metallic ClutchBy ChloéLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChloe Bronze Metallic Clutch. This fabulous clutch is in good condition. There are few scratches and smudges on the gold hardware. It has a single flap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Alberta Ferretti Ivory and Bronze Beaded ClutchBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Alberta Ferretti clutch is a roomy statement clutch. It's made of ivory leather with gold ribbing and brown bead detailing and also has a bronze leather flap. Additionally, the ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and BagBy Stuart WeitzmanLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Yves Saint Laurent Quilted Satin ClutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent - (Made in Italy) Quilted satin clutch bag with herringbone pattern. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 19 cm, Height: 16 cm, Depth: 3 cm Condition: Very...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- SS20 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Fan Leather Clutch Bag W/Silky Tassel & GoldBy Jeremy Scott, MoschinoLocated in Palm Springs, CASS20 Moschino Couture Jeremy Scott Fan Leather Clutch Bag W/Silky Tassel & Gold Additional Information: Material: Leather Color: Black/Red/Yellow Pattern: Fan Style: Clutch Size: Me...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Tiffany Pink Silk Lame ClutchBy Tiffany & Co.Located in New York, NYTiffany Pink Silk Lame Square Clutch with 14k gold tips at corners to protect for wear. Silk moire lining, with handle which folds flat. Deep Rose pink wi...Category
1940s American Clutches
- HERMES 23 cm Mississippiensis Lisse Alligator Crocodile Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NY100% Authentic Mississippiensis Lisse Hermes Clutch Bag COLOR: Red MATERIAL: Alligator Crocodile ORIGIN: France CONDITION: PristineCategory
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Zushi Handpainted Red Snake ClutchLocated in New York, NYUnusual red snake clutch with handpainted gilt floral wood frame. Signed "Zushi". Excellent condition. 1980's USA. 8" x 7" x 3"Category
1980s American Clutches
- Chanel Red Quilted Leather CC Fold Over ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Red Quilted Leather CC Fold Over Clutch in excellent condition. Bright red quilted leather exterior trimmed with matte gold CC logo hardware along front top fold. Two interior...Category
2010s Clutches