Vintage Judith Leiber Orange Lizard Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104217898022
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: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Judith Leiber Metallic Lizard Butterfly ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Metallic Lizard Butterfly Clutch in excellent condition. tan lizard leather with metallic gold sheen trimmed with silver hardware and pale yellow gemstones...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Marc Jacobs Pink Sequin Frog Clutch Shoulder BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAMarc Jacobs Pink Sequin Catherine Clutch Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Dark pink quilted sequin exterior trimmed with matching pink suede and and gunmetal hardware. Small gunm...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Mini Green Alligator Clutch MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Vintage Mini Green Alligator Clutch Minaudiere in excellent condition. Green alligator leather trimmed with gold hardware and a top button closure. Gold leather interio...Category
1980s 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
- Tonya Hawkes Black Teal Paint Splatter ClutchBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PAAMAZING Tonya Hawkes Black Teal and Green Leather Paint Splatter Convertible Clutch in excellent condition. Black, green, and dark teal paint splatter print leather exterior design t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather ClutchBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Dark purple leather exterior with a unique geometric embossed pattern and laser cu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Minaudière Double Circle 70s Style Runway Rare Black & Metallic ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLGold lambskin Chanel and white patent leather 70's style clutch with white cc enamel detail 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Gold Hardware Double kiss-loc...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Philip Treacy Red and Gold Pattern Print with Tassel Clutches HandbagBy Philip TreacyLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Vintage 90s Philip Treacy red and gold pattern print clutches handbag. Rare and one of a kind! - Attached with a red tassel. - Gold toned hardware "Philip Treacy" lock closure. ...Category
1990s Unknown Clutches
- BOTTEGA VENETA camel Intrecciato leather CLASSIC POUCH Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Bottega Veneta Classic Pouch in camel Intrecciato woven calfskin. Opens with a magnetic frame closure and is lined in calfskin leather. Has been carried and is in exce...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Hermés Verrou Matte Alligator ClutchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermès Jige Elan Swift Ombre LizardBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès black leather 2020 Noir Swift Ombre Varanus Salvator Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29 clutch bag. The date stamp shows a D. The bag comes with the booklet and original box. No cites,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Foldover ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Foldover Clutch is in pristine condition appearing never carried. Bright lipstick red lambskin is quilted i...Category
2010s Italian Clutches