Judith Leiber Black Lace Printed Gold Leather Snake Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Gold leather with a lace print and satin interior. Gold plated metal hardware.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Overall in very good condition though the snake is missing some crystals, please see photos 12 & 13. Please see description for details. No dust bag.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU487318987092
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Atlanta, GA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Andrea Pfister Gold & Silver Leather Disk Handbag, 1980'sBy Andrea PfisterLocated in Atlanta, GADisco Days! This 1980's Andrea Pfister shiny gold and silver leather round handbag is reminiscent of a pastille ... sweet and petite! The long multi s...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Laura Biagiotti Attributed Gold Leather Handbag, 1970'sBy Laura BiagiottiLocated in Atlanta, GAGlamorous gold ... Italian style! This gold nugget is a 'carry anywhere and with everything' bag. It is ostensibly an evening accessory but the effortlessly chic leather design wou...Category
1970s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Brown Satin Beaded HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Atlanta, GALovely Judith Leiber dark brown satin evening handbag with an envelope style silhouette and a front flap embellished with an array of beading and crystal r...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Dominique Aurientis Bejeweled Leather Drawstring Handbag, 1980'sLocated in Atlanta, GALate 1980's drawstring leather handbag by French jewelry designer, Dominique Aurientis, embellished with gold plated charms and medallions. This fabulous handbag is a testament to 1...Category
1980s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Dominique Aurientis Leather & Gold Tone Charm Drawstring Handbag, 1980'sLocated in Atlanta, GALate 1980's drawstring leather handbag by French jewelry designer, Dominique Aurientis, embellished with gold plated charms and glass beads. This fabulous handbag is a testament to ...Category
1980s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Sergio Rossi Red Suede Leather Handbag, 1970'sBy Sergio RossiLocated in Atlanta, GA1970's Sergio Rossi lipstick red suede handbag with leather trim and shoulder strap. The hobo style shape offers a generous interior with plenty of...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag PochetteBy Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a rare variation of the iconic saddle pochette bag designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior constructed of brown watercolor printed nylo...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rafael Sanchez Golden Honey Comb Suede Tassel Shoulder BagBy Rafael SanchezLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRafael Sanchez golden honey comb suede, beaded tassel shoulder bag from the 1980s. Textured suede through a magnifying glass it looks like honey comb. B...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Bottega Veneta Metallic Gold Lambskin Cross-body Evening Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta wonderfully elegant metallic gold lambskin evening cross-body evening bag has two compartment underneath the front flap. The strap measures 27" in total height...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Metallic Gold Lambskin Drawstring and Detailed Floral Top-Stitching Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYElegant and whimsical metallic gold lambskin drawstring shoulder bag is detailed with floral-design topstitching. The interior is lined in black. Drawstring as well as the should...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Valentino Garavani Vintage Embroidered Leather Clutch PurseBy ValentinoLocated in Nice, FRVALENTINO GARAVANI vintage embroidered leather clutch purse featuring gold tone hardware, faux ivory, crystal and glass cabochon embellishement. ...Category
20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- HERMES Chocolate Brown Suede Leather Gold Evening Top Handle Shoulder Flap BagBy HermèsLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1975 Collection Suede Leather Gold Tone Hardware Suede Lining Measures 8.75" W x 6" H x 2" D Shoulder Strap Drop 15.5" Includes Clochette, Keys, Dust...Category
Late 20th Century Shoulder Bags