Judith Leiber Detailed Top-Stitched Off-White Calfskin "Duckie" Hardware Bag
About the Item
- Designer:Judith Leiber for Saks Fifth Avenue
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU247236102
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Rare Carlos Falchi Multi-Skins Multi-Color Large Shoulder Bag & ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYThis wonderfully rare Carlos Falchi large shoulder bag with the option to wear use as a clutch is combined with multi-skins of snakeskin, lizard skin and pylon skins as well ...Category
1980s American Shoulder Bags
- Stephane Kelian Metallic-Gold BagBy Stephane KélianLocated in New York, NYStephane Kelian metallic-gold lambskin bag can be worn as a shoulder bag, or, after removing the straps, can be worn as a clutch. Bag measures at 6...Category
1980s French Shoulder Bags
- Charles Jourdan gray silk with metallic silver shoulder bagBy Charles JourdanLocated in New York, NYCharles Jourdan gray silk with metallic leather in steel gray silver has the option of tucking the straps inside and making it into a clutch for evening...Category
1980s Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Cream Signature Lambskin Woven Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta cream signature lambskin woven shoulder bag measures 8" in length along the top and 10" in length along the bottom of the bag...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Rich Lambskin Signature Taupe Woven Double-Handle Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta Signature rich taupe lambskin woven double-handle shoulder bag features adjustable shoulder straps which measures 15 1/2 inches to 22 1/2 inches. There is an ad...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Metallic Gold Lambskin Cross-body Evening Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta wonderfully elegant metallic gold lambskin evening cross-body evening bag has two compartment underneath the front flap. The strap measures 27" in total height...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Romance HoboBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLBlue and beige Louis Vuitton hobo bag with monogramming, encircled by brass hardware and leather trim. The flat grip provided the ideal shoulder posture. The two outside pockets prov...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel White Caviar Leather Front Pocket Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThe inside is lined with leather and contains two pockets, each with a CC disk logo zip tag, two open compartments on each side, and a flat bottom for freestanding. Chanel Chain Tote...Category
1990s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Versace Safety Pin Gold White Sling Unisex Runway BagBy VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWCollector's Versace Sling Bag Feature Material: Leather Color: White Condition: Brand New Period: 2020 Place of Origin: ItalyCategory
2010s European Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle BagBy John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in PUTNEY, NSWBrand: Christian Dior by John Galliano Product Name: Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag Product Description: Introducing the Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag...Category
Early 2000s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Valentino Teal Lambskin Shoulder Tote HandbagBy ValentinoLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis gorgeous Valentino shoulder bag is a must have for every fashionable wardrobe. The exterior is in mint condition featuring plush teal lamb...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Messenger Vintage Black and White Nylon Cross Body BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black and White Crossbody Waist Bag Made in ItalyCategory
Early 2000s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags