Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Fish Minaudiere
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Fish Minaudiere
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104213466842
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.
- Judith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk TasselBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk Tassel in excellent condition. Black suede exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black sw...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag ClutchBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with silver/clear rectangle crystals...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Gold Filigree Swarovski Crystal Box Minaudiere evening bag clutchBy Judith LieberLocated in Philadelphia, PAStunning Judith Leiber Vintage gold box minaudiere in very good vintage condition. Gold structured box exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Gold & Clear Swarovski Crystal Casket MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL JUDITH LEIBER Swarovski crystal casket minaudiere in excellent vintage condition. Gold exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals in the signature "casket" style. Push...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Escada Pink Silk Jeweled Rhinestone Pochette ClutchBy EscadaLocated in Philadelphia, PAEscada Pink Silk Jeweled Rhinestone Pochette Clutch in excellent like new condition. Pink silk exterior trimmed with gold chain and multicolor rhinestones along front side. Gold chai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rare Vintage Judith Leiber Crystal Chantelaine Minaudiere Production SampleBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PARare Vintage Judith Leiber Crystal Chantelaine Minaudiere in excellent condition. Gold coin purse shape body with black crystals along the top edge and...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Chanel Plexiglass No. 5 Perfume Bottle BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Plexiglass No. 5 Perfume Bottle Bag is a runway piece in excellent condition. Extremely rare, it is a must have piece for any colle...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZGorgeous Judith Leiber evening bag made of genuine python snakeskin! Easily worn across the body with thin gold chain. Frame-type clasp closu...Category
1970s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Ecru Monogram Leather Limited Edition Olympe Nimbus GM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Brimming with elegance and beauty, this Louis Vuitton bag will instantly amp up your ensemble. Made using the best materials, this authentic LV Limited Edition Olympe Nimbus GM is a ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Zagliani Cream Python HoboBy ZaglianiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Swing and twirl in every stride and let your audience gasp in admiration at the beautiful sight of this Zagliani hobo. We rarely get to see a bag as gorgeous as this one. It has been...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières