Judith Leiber Vintage Black Clutch/Shoulder Bag, Circa 1970
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Clutch/Shoulder Bag, Circa 1970
About the Item
Height: 6"
Width: 10"
Depth: 1/2"
This clutch/shoulder bag by Judith Leiber is available to be viewed privately in our Beverly Hills boutique couture salon during business hours. Please telephone us with any questions or if you wish to set up a private appointment to view it personally.
We accept all major credit cards or Paypal. You may also call the boutique directly to purchase over the phone. We offer layaway options for your convenience.
Our Beverly Hills Boutique is open Monday - Friday (11am-7pm) and Saturday (11am-6pm) PST. (310) 385-9036
Only serious inquiries please.
Please feel free to contact us anytime should you be looking for a special vintage designer piece and we will be delighted to review our current inventory for you and should we not have it then we will be delighted to place your name on a wish list for the future.
310 849-2433
Elizabeth Mason
The Paper Bag Princess, Inc.
Please note: All sales are final, so please be sure to ask all the necessary questions prior to your purchase. All inquires must be addressed within 24hours of receiving a purchased item.
- Designer:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11020448595
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.
- Judith Leiber Clear and Green Rhinestone ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAJudith Leiber clutch Clear and green rhinestones in a stripe pattern Silver snap closure Silver chain strap that can be stored inside Soft silver leather lining Comes with silver coin purse...Category
Late 20th Century Clutches
- Chanel Cream Quilted Leather Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAChanel crossbody bag Made in Italy Soft cream quilted leather Stitched classic CC logo Front pocket Gold chain strap Strap length: 44 inches Hanging gold ball and leather fringe ...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE Rhinestone Frame ClutchBy Elizabeth Mason CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Elizabeth Mason Couture rhinestone clutch features a frame style. There is an optional strap. Also available in black as well. In new or unused condition. **Please cross-...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Maud Frizon Red Leather Bag W/ Grommets on PocketBy Maud Frizon Paris, Maud FrizonLocated in Los Angeles, CAMaud Frizon Red Leather Bag W/ Grommets on Pocket. From 1980s is in excellent condition, Measurements: Height - 9.5 inches Height with Strap - 27.5 inches Width - 11.5 inchesCategory
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta White Crossbody w/ Tan Accent and StrapBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CABottega Veneta White Crossbody w/ Tan Accent and Strap Measurements: Height - 7 Inches Width - 10.4 Inches Height with Strap - 27.5 InchesCategory
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Saks Fifth Ave Leopard Motif Stenciled Pony-Hair Handbag Straps Circa 1960sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in Los Angeles, CASaks Fifth Ave Leopard Motif Stenciled Pony-Hair Handbag Straps Circa 1960s. Two Top Handle Straps. Stenciled Pony on both faces of the bag, front and ba...Category
1960s American Top Handle Bags
- New Hermès Accessories and Shoe Kit Leather Case TrunkBy HermèsLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Limited edition Hermès shoe kit case, from the grand opening of the men’s store on Madison Ave is finely crafted in box leather. It incorporates a classic...Category
Early 2000s French Novelty Bags
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alzer Damier Azur Rare Travel Trunk 80cmBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. When not in use for your travels, it would make a wonderful accent to any home. Designed for a variety of uses. If you open the Louis Vuitton official website, you will find its price is unavailable, which reveals you that in fact these trunk can not be collected on line nor in store. From the purest tradition of travel, the famous Alzer suitcase is one of the Louis Vuitton emblems...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Vintage Rare Chanel Woven Straw Lambskin Beige Shopper ToteBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alzer Damier Azur Rare Travel Trunk 75cmBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. When not in use for your travels, it would make a wonderful accent to any home. Designed for a variety of uses. If you open the Louis Vuitton official website, you will find its price is unavailable, which reveals you that in fact these trunk can not be collected on line nor in store. From the purest tradition of travel, the famous Alzer suitcase is one of the Louis Vuitton emblems...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Chanel Vintage Beige Quilted Lambskin Camera Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- New Hermes Sac à Depeche Crocodile Briefcase 41cmBy HermèsLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Sac à Depeche briefcase from Hermès of Paris is one of the famed French luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This is a "Horeshoe...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés