Exquisite Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere With Ruby Cabochon Clasp
View Similar Items
Exquisite Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere With Ruby Cabochon Clasp
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:judith leiber minaudiere
- Dimensions:Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Length: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Gold plated metal frame with gold metallic leather lining.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Tustin, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: AJN1stDibs: LU131537305421
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.
- Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills Snow White's Red Apple Minaudiere Evening BagBy Katherine Baumann, Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAA limited-edition, signed and numbered, Swarovski crystal encrusted, gold-plated metal Snow White's red apple shaped minaudière evening bag purse by Kathrine Baumann, who is the cele...Category
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Avant Garde Roberto Cavalli Magenta Suede Two Tone Thigh High Boots Size 41By Roberto CavalliLocated in Tustin, CAVery avant garde, crafted from the finest leathers, breathtakingly fierce, Italian luxury brand, Roberto Cavalli, thigh high boots. These edgy boots feature pointed toes, a split of...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
$1,120 Sale Price20% Off - Sexy German Christine Vogdt 1970s Lynx Fur Stroller Length Coat US Size 8 MediumLocated in Tustin, CAWild and exotic, this vintage, spotted lynx fur coat or jacket from the 1970s, in excellent condition, makes a bold fashion statement from internationally renowned German fashion designer/artist, Christine Vogdt...Category
1970s German Jackets
$3,920 Sale Price20% Off - Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- Very Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed Burgundy Leather PurseBy FendiLocated in Tustin, CAVery Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed burgundy russet tone Leather Purse Smartly stylish, extremely roomy estate Fendi purse is large enough to carry ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$960 Sale Price20% Off
- Beautiful 1920s Bronze Gold Fully Beaded Vintage 20s Flapper Purse Bag PouchLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1920s bronze and brown fully beaded evening bag! The perfect alternative to a clutch! This rare gem features two gold metal chains, and can be adjusted to wear long or shor...Category
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- An Art Deco style rectangular beaded bag, Pierre Cardin, France, 1970By Pierre Cardin CoutureLocated in Greyabbey, County DownPierre Cardin’s preference, right from the start, was always for large jewels, and always designed in close connection with the garment, accentuating a predominant element of the cut, or drawing attention to a detail. Training essentially as an architect, he moved into fashion, working first for Paquin, them moving to Elsa Schiaparelli and , finally, Christian Dior, before opening his own house in 1950. Designing ground breaking...Category
1970s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- A carved Bakelite framed golden velvet handbag, France, 1920sLocated in Greyabbey, County DownA charming and highly decorative handbag, made from golden/amber silk velvet, which has a veil, or netting, layer over the top , giving a delicacy and depth to the handbag. Topped w...Category
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rare William De Lillo Jeweled Gilt Metal & Leather Evening BagBy William De LilloLocated in Miami Beach, FLA unique (one of a kind) evening bag by William de Lillo. The off white leather handbag is set within an ornate gilt metal and stone exterior bag. It is comprised of a large oval faux turquoise (robin's egg blue) glass set in a rhinestone frame. On either side of the turquoise is a faux ruby oval cabochon. The stones are in an ornate openwork Byzantine style gilt metal plaques which are attached by gold rings. The top of the bag has a closure that is a chain with 3 large ruby glass stone each set in a gilt metal flower or sun design that hooks onto the other side to seal the bag. There is a matching gilt metal chain strap with the same plaque that decorates the shoulder. An important piece of wearable art by Willian De Lillo in the 1960's. Inside the bag has a hand sewn tag signed WM. de Lillo. Biography according to Gallery24Jewelry: Belgian born designer William De Lillo started his career working for reputable fine jewelry houses such as; Cartier, Harry Winston and Miriam Haskell. before branching out on his own with the help of Robert F. Clark (head designer for Miriam Haskell) forming William De Lillo Ltd. In New York City in 1968. 1968 was a significant time in modern day American History, the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War caused a cultural phenomenon and revolution where students took to the streets to protest war and social and sexual stereotypes. Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, The beatles psychedelic...Category
Mid-20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
$4,000 Sale Price20% Off - Neon Pink Tweed Black Italian Napa Leather Palladium Chain Shoulder BagBy J DAUPHINLocated in Los Angeles, CAFrench Neon Pink Tweed and Black Italian Napa Leather with Long Shoulder Palladium Plated Brass Chain Evening Bag J Dauphin Size: Height 21 cm, Width 17 cm, Length of Chain includin...Category
2010s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Evening Shoulder Bag Pastel Lilac Pink Lurex Black Leather Gold Chunky ChainBy J DAUPHINLocated in Los Angeles, CAOne of a kind Evening Shoulder Bag French Pastel Lilac Pink Lurex Fabric on one side and on the other Italian Black Leather, Italian Gold Plated Brass Shoulder Chain Detachable and ...Category
2010s American Evening Bags and Minaudières