Rare Judith Leiber 1970s Vintage Asian Inspired Crane Bird Convertible Clutch
View Similar Items
Rare Judith Leiber 1970s Vintage Asian Inspired Crane Bird Convertible Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6622282473
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.
- 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
- Rare 1990s Isaac Mizrahi Nude Tan Plexiglass Minaudière Finger Clutch Bad PurseBy Isaac MizrahiLocated in San Diego, CASuper chic and rare early 90s ISAAC MIZRAHI nude khaki / tan plexiglass minaudiere clutch! Features the perfect nude tan linen and cotton blend, overlapped with a clear plexiglass. A...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- 1980s Vintage Anne Klein for Oroton Black Patent Leather Clutch / Crossbody BagBy Anne KleinLocated in San Diego, CAChic vintage Anne Klein for Oroton black patent leather convertible clutch/purse/crossbody purse! Signature Klein lion emblem at front. Classic oversized envelope style. Removable st...Category
1980s Clutches
$225 Sale Price23% Off - Michelle Monroe Stingray Embossed Black + Gold Jeweled Tassel Clutch MinaudièreLocated in San Diego, CAThe perfect box clutch to complete any outfit. Magnetic closure. Black stingray embossed, with large rectangle gold and black rhinestones on the top. Gold tassels at each side of the...Category
Early 2000s American Clutches
- 1940s Italian Taupe Alligator Croc Embossed Vintage 40s Leather Handbag PurseLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1940s Italian made alligator / crocodile embossed patent leather bag! Perfect taupe color is great all year, and matches anything. Pale gold hardware, and removable chain strap....Category
1940s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$498 Sale Price25% Off - Herve Leger Snake + Leather Taupe Brown Extra Large Wristlet Large ClutchBy Herve LégerLocated in San Diego, CAThe perfect HERVE LEGER Taupe Snake and leather oversized wristlet clutch! Features a zip top. Measurements: 18 inches from side to side 8.5 ...Category
2010s Clutches
- Dolce & Gabbana limited edition ‘Pop art Splash’ baguette shoulder bag. C. 2000By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBThis Dolce Gabbana ‘Splash Pop Art’ comic strip bag which depicts a woman free falling into water and another woman standing in a bikini is an hommage to 1960s artwork titled ‘Drowning girl...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 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
- Carlos Falchi Colorful ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYColorful clutch bag (with hidden shoulder strap) by Carlos Falchi with Matisse inspired motifs in vibrant snake appliques on white calf leather body. 9" x 6" x 2". 1980's USA. Excel...Category
1980s American Shoulder Bags
- 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
- Rodo Black Raffia Shoulder BagBy RodoLocated in Paris, FRRodo black raffia shoulder bag featuring a woven raffia pattern, a long shape, a shoulder tarnish leather handle (length: 43in (109cm)) gold- tone hardware, a top zipped logo faste...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags