Judith Leiber Black JLP Black Silver Minaudiere Clutch Double sided $2625. New
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Wallkill, NY
- Reference Number:
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: Wallkill, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1990s Brown Leather Ribbed Escada Kelly Hand Bag Never WornBy EscadaLocated in Wallkill, NYKelly Brown Leather Ribbed Leather hand bag. Tags still in hand bag along with dust cover. Gold Tone link chain as shoulder strap. Zippered inside compartm...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber JLP Minaudiere Clutch Double sided Black Silver New with TagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Wallkill, NYJudith Leiber Monogram Hinged Hard Shell Clutch JLP Double-sided Black and Silver crystals. Measuring 3.5 H x 6 W x 1 3/4 D 50 inch chain. New with ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Red Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch Holiday RunwayBy Judith LeiberLocated in Wallkill, NYStunning Clear and Red Swarovski Crystal on this magnificent Judith Leiber Clutch. A must-have for the upcoming holiday season, as well as any black tie event. Runway ready! Gold lea...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Escada Black Patent Leather Kelly Hand Bag Never Used- With Tags 1990sBy EscadaLocated in Wallkill, NYBlack Escada Leather Kelly handbag. Still has original Price tags attached. Measures 11.5 in wide at the bottom x 9 in high x 2-7/8 in deep - 13.5 in drop on leather shoulder strap. ...Category
1990s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- 1990s Forest Green Escada Suede Hand Bag Quilted Hearts Never UsedBy EscadaLocated in Wallkill, NYAnother great New old Stock Escada Hand bag. Tags still attached. Detailing with Quilted Hearts. Double Straps. Gold Tone Hardware. Gold Tone Feet Zippered compartment Measures 12in...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Lambskin Gold Chain HandbagBy ChanelLocated in Wallkill, NYStunning black Chanel leather with thick gold tone chain. front logo Middle zippered closure with 2 outside compartments with snap closures. Measures 14 inches wide x 9 inches high. ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Convertible Charcoal Leather Flat BagBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a convertible leather convertible crossbody designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 1997 collection. Debuting in the season's runway presentation, this bag also app...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Minaudière Clutch Rare Vintage Micro Mini Woven Chain Black Satin SatchelBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage Micro Mini Woven Chain Minaudière Clutch 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Iconic cage throughout Stitched CC logo at front 2 Interior zippered pockets Satin...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Chain Around Mini Dark Blue Clutch Mini Classic FlapBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel dark navy mini chain around clutch flap Spring 2004 {VINTAGE 17 Years} Silver Hardware Signature CC Turnlock Triple classic interwoven chains around entire bag Beige monogram...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- 2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Mini Black Silk Satin Square Chain Logo Evening Bag Y2KBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a mini satin Gucci evening bag, designed by Tom Ford. This small square bag is constructed of black satin and features a silver-toned chai...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Whiting and Davis Chainmail Crossbody HandbagBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZSuper festive and fun vintage Whiting and Davis crossbody handbag! This is the perfect going out bag as the chainmail fabric is so special and eye catc...Category
Late 20th Century American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Toronto, OntarioLovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags