Judith Leiber 60s Snakeskin Evening Box Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:snakeskin, gold-tone hardware, faille interior
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Gresham, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11061950934
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: Gresham, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1950s Koret Silver Lamé Braid Sequin and Rhinestone Barrel ClutchBy KoretLocated in Gresham, ORA gorgeous 1950s Koret (unmarked) silver lamé, braid, sequin and rhinestone embellished barrel clutch with satin lining.Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Ralph Lauren Spectacular Solid Crystal Disco Shoulder Bag w Chain HandleBy Ralph LaurenLocated in Gresham, ORRalph Lauren Spectacular Solid Crystal Disco Shoulder Bag w Chain Handle: Front flap closure on this stunner! New, never worn. Original price marked $2500. Heavy silver chain handle...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1950s Koret Coral Seed Beaded Handbag w Seed Bead Loop Fringed BottomBy KoretLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Koret coral color seed beaded handbag with beaded handle, seed bead looped fringe bottom and cobalt blue silk satin lining. Excellent condition. Medium...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- 1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded FrameBy KoretLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded Frame: Pristine condition with satin lining, and original box. Medium size purse...Category
1950s American Clutches
- Tri-Tone Straw Woven Square Structured Handbag With Brass Toggle Closure, 1950sLocated in Gresham, ORA smart 1950s tri-tone woven straw structured handbag. Square shape with a brass toggle closure at top. Satin acetate lining.Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- 1940s Harry Rosenfeld Sage Velvet Envelope Clutch W/ Beaded & Embroidered FlapBy Harry RosenfeldLocated in Gresham, ORA gorgeous Indian-inspired 1940s Harry Rosenfeld sage green velvet envelope clutch with a classic Indian floral design, beaded and embroidered flap in gunmetal, copper and rose gold ...Category
1940s American Clutches
- Paris Moscou Chanel BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCollector in perfect condition. It has never been worn. A true work of art: it's from Metier d'Arts Paris-Moscou Collection. This 2.55 bag is made of perforated lamb leather, which g...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
- FENDI Selleria metallic rose bronze grained leather signature stitch tote bagBy FendiLocated in Hong Kong, NTFENDI Selleria metallic rose bronze grained leather signature stitch tote bag Reference: GIYG/A00295 Brand: Fendi Collection: Selleria Material: Leather Color: Rose Gold Pattern: Sol...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Burberry Beige/Brown Leather And Nova Check Canvas HoboBy BurberryLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Make space in your closet for this classic beige and brown hobo from Burberry. Designed using canvas and leather, it has silver-tone hardware, a single handle, as well as a canvas in...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- OLD CELINE Trapeze grey leather suede flap top handle flap satchel shoulder bagBy Celine, Phoebe PhiloLocated in Hong Kong, NTOLD CELINE Trapeze grey leather suede flap top handle flap satchel shoulder bag Reference: CAKK/A00012 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Model: Trapeze bag Material: Leather, Sued...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Prada S/S 2004 fuchsia belted mini bagBy PradaLocated in Rome, IT- Prada by Miuccia Prada - Spring-summer 2004 collection - Sold by Gold Palms Vintage - Fuchsia suede mini bag - Side pink logo - Front double pocket and grommet belt - Metal chain +...Category
Early 2000s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières