Judith Leiber Silvertone Embroidered Lame Frame Purse with Silvertone Hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)Length: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. 'Like New' Pre-Owned Condition.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU484620453
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- JUDITH LEIBER Brushed Metal Evening Purse with Stone Details Optional StrapBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Judith Leiber evening purse is composed of a silver tone metal with brushed detailing and stone accents at the corners. In excellent condition, comes with original comb, mirror,...Category
20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Lizard Clutch with Rhinestone Encrusted ClaspBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis vintage Judith Leiber handbag is composed of black lizard. The clasp closure is rhinestone encrusted. In excellent condition, sold 'as is'. Comes with original comb and dust bag...Category
20th Century Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1950s Black and Gold Caviar Beaded Floral Evening PurseLocated in Los Angeles, CABlack and gold caviar beaded evening purse Floral micro beaded design Gold jeweled clasp closure Black beaded strap Black silk lining Silk inn...Category
1950s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Bottega Veneta Lavender Classic Woven Handbang W/ StrapBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CABottega Veneta Lavender Classic Woven Handbang W/ Strap Measurements: Height - 9.5 inches Width - 14.5 inches Height with Strap - 28.5 inc...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber White Lizard Top Handle Goldtone Hardware Optional Strap PurseBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Judith Leiber purse is composed of a white lizard with goldtone hardware. Comes with an optional strap. There is an interior zipper pocket. In excellent almost new vintage cond...Category
20th Century American Top Handle Bags
- JUDITH LEIBER Gold & Silver Tone Rosette Clutch Optional StrapBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Judith Leiber purse features a lovely floral pattern in white and gold rhinestone. There is a gold interior. In good vintage condition, there are some missing rhinestones and sl...Category
20th Century Clutches
- Chanel 2.55 Reissue Maxi Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA Chic Chanel 2.55 Reissue Maxi Double Flap Handbag. The exterior of this reissue 2.55 is crafted in metallic champagne lambskin leather with signature diamond stitching and dark sil...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- CHANEL White Caviar Leather Small Diana Gold Hardware Shoulder Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1994 Collection Caviar Skin Leather 8.75” W x 5.75” H x 2.75” D Strap Drop 20” Includes Dust Bag, Box 100% Authenticity GuaranteedCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- Vintage 1950s Aqua Blue Beaded HandbagLocated in London, GBA truly prized vintage handbag from the 1950s. Dazzlingly in its shimmering textures, its evocatively rippled pattern of aqua blue beads is offset with a gold-tone frame. Its top cla...Category
1950s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2014 Collector's Runway Supermarket Grocery Basket Chain Tote MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel classic silver interwoven chain in the form of a large sized grocery shopping basket Spring 2014 Silver hardware Classic interwoven chain CC Silver Charm Can be used for high fashion or interior decor 8.5" H x 15" W x 11" D Made in France This special bag is a collector's piece. Designed as a supermarket basket...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 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
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Turtle MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Turtle Minaudiere in excellent condition. Silver Turtle shape trimmed with black grey silver and clear swarov...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières