Judith Leiber Pink Swarovski Crystal Minaudière Clutch Evening Bag Purse
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Studio City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3571050382
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: Studio City, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Gianni Versace Printed "Opera Balleto Teatro Cinema" Cotton Mini Dress 1991 S/SBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Studio City, CAGianni Versace mini dress from the iconic 1991 S/S collection - bearing the famous "Opera Balleto Teatro Cinema" print. There is no fabric or size tag but the dress appears to be mad...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970's Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Maxi Dress w/Multicolored Floral & Star PrintBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Studio City, CA1970's Yves Saint Laurent polished cotton abstract floral and star print maxi dress with an empire waistline, button-down collar neckline w/green buttons, 3/4 sleeves, hidden side po...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- Vintage Chanel Cream Silk Charmeuse Blouse w/Neckties & Pleated TrimBy Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Chanel cream silk charmeuse blouse with knife pleated trim at the neckties and sleeve cuffs. Features hidden button closures down center front and goldtone CC logo buttons at...Category
1980s French Blouses and Tops
- 1970's Stavropoulos Bias Cut Silk Chiffon Floral Evening GownBy George StavropoulosLocated in Studio City, CA1970's Stavropoulos bias cut white silk chiffon evening gown with floral pattern in yellow, pink, purple, orange and green. Gown is made from a double layer of silk, has short sleeve...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1971 Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Lips Print DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Studio City, CAThe celebrated 1971 Yves Saint Laurent lips print dress from the collection that was panned when it came out but now universally revered. We are so luc...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 2003 Alexander McQueen Silk Printed Strapless Draped Column Evening GownBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Studio City, CA2003 Alexander McQueen creme with yellow "batik-like" printed silk strapless, draped column gown. Bustier at the interior. Size tag 44. In excellent cond...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Anya Hindmarch Bluebell Guilloche & Stingray Duke Clock ClutchBy Anya HindmarchLocated in Glasgow, GBRare Anya Hindmarch Duke Clock clutch from the eponymous brand. Cigarette-box style evening bag made primarily from stingray with sloped, bevelled edges. Structured, rectangular shap...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- MARNI brown latex PVC gold stud leather trim metal frame tote bagBy MarniLocated in Hong Kong, NTMARNI brown latex PVC gold stud leather trim metal frame tote bag Reference: CELG/A00039 Brand: Marni Model: Latex tote Material: Latex, leather Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Cl...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- MARNI stone grey silver lock dual zip pouch chain sport strap crossbody bagBy MarniLocated in Hong Kong, NTMARNI stone grey silver lock dual zip pouch chain sport strap crossbody bag Reference: CELG/A00032 Brand: Marni Model: Dual pouch chain crossbody Mater...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- new VERSACE Vanitas white baroque quilted gold Medusa metal chain crossbody bagBy VersaceLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew VERSACE Vanitas white baroque quilted gold Medusa metal chain crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01474 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: White Vanitas crossbody b...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo natural scaled leather double flap portfolio clutch bagBy CelineLocated in Hong Kong, NTOLD CELINE Phoebe Philo natural scaled leather double flap portfolio clutch bag Reference: JECN/A00024 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Model: Double Flap clutch Material: L...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- DOLCE GABBANA Sicily beige raffia crochet large top handle crossbody bagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Hong Kong, NTDOLCE GABBANA Sicily beige raffia crochet large top handle crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C01668 Brand: Dolce Gabbana Designer: Domenico Dolce and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières