JUDITH LEIBER Pink Ponyhair Leopard Print Clutch w. Chain
View Similar Items
JUDITH LEIBER Pink Ponyhair Leopard Print Clutch w. Chain
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Length: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 10002-10031stDibs: AU1402262041923
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s (1921–2018) ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer made minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) 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.
Like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber’s minaudières were the result of a happy accident. In 1967, she 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 dazzling 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,” she 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 her 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 Leiber’s handbags). 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 celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find a collection of vintage Judith Leiber handbags and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- Chanel Black Lambskin Leather CC Twistlock Clutch BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin CC Twistlock Clutch Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2014 Color: Black Hardware: Darkened silvertone Materials: Lambskin leather Lining: Black silk Closu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Hermes Blue Swift Leather H Jige Elan Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Blue Swift Leather Jige Elan Clutch Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2020 Color: Blue Materials: Swift leather Lining: Smooth leather Closure/Opening: Flap top w/slide...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermes Colvert Blue Epsom Leather Kelly Longue Wallet w/ PalladiumBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Blue Leather Kelly Longue Wallet w/ Palladium Made In: France Year of Production: 2014 Color: Colvert blue Hardware: Silvertone palladium M...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull Pochette Wristlet BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull Pochette Wristlet Bag Made In: USA Year of Production: 2020 Color: Brown damier Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Coated...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Pouches and Wristlets
- Goyard Burgundy Goyardine Monte Carlo Bois Clutch BagBy GoyardLocated in New York, NYGoyard Burgundy Goyardine Monte Carlo Bois Clutch Bag. Please note, this bag does not include the strap. Made In: France Color: Burgundy Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Coated canv...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Chanel LIKE NEW White Caviar Leather Quilted Classic Double Flap Jumbo BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel White Caviar Leather Quilted Classic Double Flap Jumbo Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2021 Color: White Hardware: Pale goldtone Materials: Caviar Leather Lining: Whi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway Clutch is in pristine condition. Enhanced with ornate crystals and a Lucite clasp, this spectacular piece from the 1990’s is a fantastic addition to any sophisticated collection. Black and white tweed wool blend is adorned with intricate crystal and rhinestone decoration. Gold framed top is capped with a clear Lucite kiss lock clasp evoking a perfume bottle stopper...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Hermès Red Crocodile Kelly Cut ClutchBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Vivid Red Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch is in pristine condition. Hand crafted by skilled artisans; the Kelly Cut is extremely rare...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather Clutch is in excellent condition. The simple silhouette gets a boost with a mixed texture an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Longchamp Canvas ClutchBy LongchampLocated in Bilbao, ESLongchamp Canvas Clutch Longchamp briefcase-style bag with 24-hour document holder in brown nautical canvas and leather, inserts and handle in beige brow...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Sacs Louis Vuitton Thompson Street BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bilbao, ESLouis Vuitton Red Vernis Thompson Street Red Charming "Thompson Street Bag" shoulder bag in red monogram patent leather, adjustable strap in natural leather allowing the bag to be worn in the hand or on the shoulder. Snap button closure under flap. Lining in red leather, one patch pocket. Collection: Thompson Street Bag Model: Thompson Street Bag Gender: Woman Color: Red Material: Leather Length: 27cm 10,62 inches Height: 21.5 cm 8,46 inches Width: 3 cm 1,18 inches PRADERA Fashion Division...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
$586 Sale Price20% Off - Chanel Rare Vintage 1997 Floral Turquoise Quilted Logo CC Classic Kelly Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage 1997 Floral Turquoise Quilted Logo CC Classic Flap Bag Year 1997 Patent leather CC Logo Silver Cuban Link Chain Nameplate Handle...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags