Judith Leiber Lucite & suede handbag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Lucite & suede handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:suede, Lucite, enamel
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130609284585
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made 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. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber 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 fabulous 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,” Leiber 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 Leiber's 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 Judith Leiber bags).
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 that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- Bruno Magli Grey Suede & Leather Flap Front Cross Body or Clutch HandbagBy Bruno MagliLocated in West Palm Beach, FLBurno Magli grey suede & leather flap front cross body or clutch handbag. This structured bag has a lot of style, the flap front has an applique of silver metal bars with insets of g...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Wine & Back Snakeskin Mini Clutch Shoulder Bag Silver HardwareBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber wine & black snakeskin mini clutch or shoulder bag with silver hardware. Flap front bag with silver metal band at flap. Perfect for cocktails or any special occasion. L...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Helene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy 1990sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHelene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy. This beautiful bag is the perfect size for a day of shopping, it will hold all your necessary items and leave your hands...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Lana of London white envelope lizard clutch gold hardwareBy LANA of London, Lana MarksLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLana of London white envelope style lizard clutch with gold hardware. Beautiful bag in textured lizard, matte gold hardware, lined in white leather with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
- Rhinestone Jewel Clasp Pink Metallic Brocade Evening Clutch Handbag 1970sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRhinestone jewel clasp pink metallic brocade evening clutch handbag from the 1970s. This beautiful bag is perfect for anyone who likes something exotic and...Category
1970s Unknown Clutches
- Hermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutchBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutch with silver hardware. Fold over clutch with shaped front, closes with a silver metal disk featuring...Category
20th Century French Clutches
- Chanel 2002 Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Convertible Clutch Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Bag Year 2002 {Vintage 22 Years} Black nylon canvas with a flap top CC turn-lock closure Leather entwined chain shoulder strap Black metal hardware Carry it as a clutch or shoulder bag Interior has a black fine textile...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Gucci Velveteen Monogram Bag, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe classic Gucci monogram bag! Black and brown monogram all over print on velveteen fabric. Black leather piping and interior. “GG” gold metallic clasp- push from the top and bottom...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- 1970s Louise Fontaine Green Crocodile Clutch / Shoulder BagLocated in London, GBA rare early 1970s Louise Fontaine hunter-green porosus crocodile clutch/shoulder bag, comprising of one compartment with one gusseted zipper pocket, f...Category
20th Century Belgian Shoulder Bags
- Fendi Vintage Leather Bag Convertible in LengthBy FendiLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful vintage bag designed by the great designer Fendi in the 1980s, made in France. The bag has rectangular shape, leather, with a crocodile texture, black color. The bag is sig...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$442 Sale Price73% Off - F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Mink Trimmed Croc Muff Clutch BagBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting an incredible crocodile-embossed Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche muff/bag, designed by Tom Ford. From 2004, this versatile bag features a removable handle so it can be used...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Faux Tortoise Shoulder Bag/Clutch, c.1980sLocated in Alford, MAConvertible clutch in faux tortoise shell features a textured goldtone clasp and gold chain. The chain folds away to convert to a clutch. Fabric interior with side compartment. Made ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags