Judith Leiber Black Alligator Skin Clutch
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Skin Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 3236-171stDibs: LU259190190
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.
- Vintage Vassar Black Alligator HandbagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVintage Vassar black alligator handbag, refurbished by Lana Marks. Height 9.5", width 13.5", depth 7", handle drop 8".Category
20th Century Handbags and Purses
- Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Emanuel Ungaro Brown Swede Handbag w/ Jaguar DetailBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in West Palm Beach, FLEmanuel Ungaro Brown Swede Handbag w/ Jaguar Detail This beautiful exotic looking bag is in good condition. There are some wrinkles on the bag as well as some peeling on the fabric...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with RhinestonesBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with Rhinestones. This bag is in very good condition with light wear. It has a long gold strap that can be removed. Measurements: ...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Bottega Veneta Black Woven Raffia Crossbody BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in West Palm Beach, FL1980s Vintage Black Woven Raffia Crossbody Bag that can be Worn as a Backpack. Bag has Flap with Wood Button for Closure, Thin Leather Straps and Trim. Measurements: Height: 9 " ...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Goldstrom Vintage Goldtone Basket Weave with Grey Marbleized Top Bag, 1950sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGoldstrom 1950s Vintage Goldtone Basket Weave with Grey Marbleized Top Bag. This bag is in fair vintage condition with wear consistent with its age. The inside has visible wear and t...Category
1950s Top Handle Bags
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Black Stencilled Velvet Drawstring BagBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYFortunys stenciled velvet drawstring bags found a use for small pieces of his precious velvets, their sizes vary due to the dimensions of the cuts.They are exceedingly rare.
<...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Pouches and Wristlets
Price Upon Request - Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- Chanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn.By ChanelLocated in Buchanan, MIChanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn. Red Leather Buckel With Chanel Stamp.Category
20th Century Belts
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather Pilot BriefcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in travel bag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Louis Vuitton always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The beautiful circa 2004 briefcase take...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Pablo Picasso Vintage Bi Color Kelly Flap BagBy Pablo PicassoLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Vintage Kelly Flap style bag from Pablo Picassi is one of the famed luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This flap bag is made of blac...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags