Judith Leiber Couture White and Black Crystal & Pearl Decor Sunglasses and Case
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Munich, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU785312330642
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: Munich, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Judith Leiber Couture Jeweled 'Bluebell' Crimson & Blue Sunglasses with CaseBy Judith LeiberLocated in Munich, DEFor more than 50 years, Judith Leiber’s evening bags, crystal minaudières and other accessories have been recognized worldwide for their attention to detail. Many of the minaudières are part of the permanent design archives of museums across the globe. These sophisticated vintage Judith Leiber Couture...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Sunglasses
- Christian Dior Model D06 Gradient Amber Khaki Oversized Sunglasses, 1970sBy Christian DiorLocated in Munich, DEThese show-stopping and ultra-rare Christian Dior D06 sunglasses feature an oversized bi-coloured butterfly-shaped frame. The frame is made in Optyl with the fading of colours from a...Category
1970s Unknown Sunglasses
- Woven Silvery Gold Tone Metal Thread Buckle and Belt c. 1970sLocated in Munich, DEUnique c. 1970s woven metal thread belt with metal disk buckle. The alluring artisanal belt features a round metal disk buckle covered with woven patinized silvery gold tone metal threads. The buckle is set on a smooth metal wire belt...Category
1970s Unknown Belts
- Cinnamon Brown Smooth Leather Gloves with Perforation Detailing, 1960s/1970sLocated in Munich, DE"And her old Uncle William used to say, a lady is known by her shoes and her gloves." – Virginia Woolf. Featuring beautiful diamond-shaped perforation lines, these cinnamon brown wr...Category
1970s Unknown Gloves
- 2005 JUDITH LEIBER Crystal Embellished Gold Tone Double Stretch Metal BeltBy Judith LeiberLocated in Munich, DESynonymous with American luxury, Judith Leiber handbags and accessories are stylish, sophisticated and often whimsical. This is an eye-catching and elegant signed and dated Judith L...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Belts
- Hand-Painted "fly with me" 1960s Artist Up-Cycled Brick-Red Faux Leather HandbagLocated in Munich, DEEye-catching "Don't be like the rest of them, Darling." up-cycled hand-painted 1960s vintage handbag by Lilli Grill. Talented Munich-based illustrator Ursula Baur alias Lilli Grill ...Category
1960s Top Handle Bags
- Casanova CN12 - VINTAGEBy CasanovaLocated in HOUTEN, NLThis Casanova model is a playful combination of a slight cat eye look with big sunglasses lenses. The combination of gold and dark green gives it a very...Category
1980s Italian Sunglasses
- Christan Dior - Mistinguette VINTAGEBy Christian DiorLocated in HOUTEN, NLThese bronze coloured sunglasses are made by Christian Dior. Vintage Christian Dior sunglasses and frames are one of the most stylish and desirable glasses in the world today. Being one of the world’s top fashion houses for decades, vintage Christian Dior eyewear...Category
1990s Austrian Sunglasses
- Pierre Cardin - Foldable VINTAGEBy Pierre CardinLocated in HOUTEN, NLThese foldable glasses made by Pierre Cardin have a tortoise colouring and have never been worn (deadstock). Pierre Cardin was a famous fashion designer...Category
1970s French Sunglasses
- DOLCE & GABBANA red MOSAICO Sunglasses gradient Lenses DG 4215By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Dolce & Gabbana 'DG 4215' cat-eye sunglasses in red acetate. Preciously decorated with a hand made floral micro-mosaic in Murano glass on temples fitted with brown gra...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sunglasses
- OLIVER PEOPLES Blush acetate CASSAVET Sunglasses OV5493SUBy Oliver PeoplesLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Oliver Peoples Cassavet OV5493SU sunglasses in rose acetate with silver-tone metal details and beige gradient lenses. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Come...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sunglasses
- ZIMMERMANN brown 2023 UPTEMPO Cat-Eye SunglassesBy ZimmermannLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Zimmermann Uptempo cat eye sunglasses in Havana brown. A classic cat-eye shape featuring a micro acetate frame and gold-tone temples with tonal lenses. Havana lens is ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Sunglasses