Judith Leiber
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Period:
- Material Notes:Jet crystal beads, silk, plastic resin
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:Topanga, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AAU10070751463D
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.
- Prada Saffiano leather beautycaseBy PradaLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful Prada beautycase made in the late 1980s. It's crafted in the signature black Saffiano leather, trademark of the Prada luggages an leather goods. The beautycase features a double leather handle, a combination number lock...Category
1980s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- Vintage GUCCI Black Suede Leather GG Gold tone logo Hobo Bag Crossbody Purse BagBy GucciLocated in Malibu, CA🖤1970’s GUCCI Perfection🖤 RARE and coveted black GUCCI Suede Shoulder Bag. Black smooth leather with supple suede and oversized GG hardwa...Category
1970s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Fendi Navy ClutchLocated in New York, NYLength: 13 Inches Height: 10 Inches Material: NylonCategory
1990s Clutches
- Chanel Black Patent ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 12 Inches Height: 9.75 Inches Material: Patent LeatherCategory
1990s Tote Bags
$1,450 - Hermès Kelly Depeche Epsom Dark Blue 38cmBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis fashionable handbag is fashioned from supple dark blue calfskin leather. The case has a robust leather top handle with silver palladium links, a crossing flap with a strap closi...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Chanel 22 Mini Shiny Calfskin BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA lovely Chanel 22 Mini Bag. The exterior is crafted in quilted black shiny calfskin leather with gold-tone hardware. It features a gold tone logo in the front, a dangling CC logo me...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags