Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:
- Condition:Good, preowned.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and BagBy Stuart WeitzmanLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Alberta Ferretti Ivory and Bronze Beaded ClutchBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Alberta Ferretti clutch is a roomy statement clutch. It's made of ivory leather with gold ribbing and brown bead detailing and also has a bronze leather flap. Additionally, the ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- VBH Gold Lizard Clutch with Stitched TrimBy VBHLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVBH Gold Lizard Clutch. This clutch is in excellent condition and has a visible minor stain on one side seen on image 4. Measurements: Length- 4" Width- 8.5" Depth- 1.25"Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Chloe Bronze Metallic ClutchBy ChloéLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChloe Bronze Metallic Clutch. This fabulous clutch is in good condition. There are few scratches and smudges on the gold hardware. It has a single flap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Christian Dior Vintage Burgundy Leather Clutch with Bow - circa 1990'sBy Christian DiorLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChristian Dior Vintage Burgundy Leather Clutch with Bow - circa 1990's. This bag is in fair good vintage condition with some scratches in the front and back of the bag. The piece has...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Gucci Vintage Navy Leather Clutch - GHW - Circa 1950'sBy GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGucci Vintage Navy Leather Clutch - GHW - Circa 1950's. The beautiful vintage clutch is in excellent vintage condition. It features a gold circular clasp and a blue jewel at center...Category
1950s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- BOTTEGA VENETA light taupe suede BOWLING BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Bottega Veneta bowling style hand-bag in light taupe suede, light grey leather featuring crocodile handles and ayers snakeskin trimming details. Opens with a double-zi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Vintage Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Nude Tan Jeweled Shoulder Bag or ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in San Diego, CAStunning vintage JUDITH LEIBER nude python shoulder bag or clutch and matching tasseled comb (can even be worn as a crossbody)! Signature Lieber silhouette that snaps shut to keep ev...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980'sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOHighly unusual Judith Leiber champagne silk handbag with trapunto embroidery forming wavelike rows that give this piece an interesting quilted ...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Honey & Cream Lambskin Woven Clutch/ HandbagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta woven lambskin leather clutch with optional handle if desire to use as a handbag. The bag is in a combination of honey & cream hues woven together. The bag opens a...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Lizard Leather Evening Bag Handbag Clutch - Semi - Precious StonesBy Judith LeiberLocated in Wallkill, NYJudith Leiber Evening Bag. Finely crafted from beige genuine lizard and tonal top stitching. Features multiple semi-precious stones including onyx, amethyst, jade, garnet, lapis, ros...Category
1980s Italian Clutches