Judith Leiber Green and Blue Reptile Leather Clutch Bag, 1986
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Green and Blue Reptile Leather Clutch Bag, 1986
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73012219872
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 Bottega Veneta Purple Suede & Lizard Intrecciato Convertible Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLThe Bottega Veneta intrecciato weave has and will always be an iconic staple of leather and luxury. The less-is-more approach allows the design to speak for itself and ensures that it is both fashion-forward and functional. This rare Bottega Veneta hard shell clutch...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Perspex Lucite Minaudiere Clutch / Chain Wristlet CollectorsBy ChanelLocated in Boca Raton, FLBlack lucite Chanel clutch with matte silver-tone hardware, chain and woven leather handle at side, interlocking CC at top, quilted motif throughout, single interior wall pocket and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Hermes Black Leather Multicolored Lizard Clutch Rare, 1980sBy HermèsLocated in Boca Raton, FLFor almost a century now, Hermès has quietly represented luxury and status. From their scarves to their leather goods, Hermès is known for their experimental color and pattern options but tends to keep them rather tame in the interest of tradition. In the late 80s through the 90s, Hermès introduced some of their most unconventional bags ever. This circa 1988 bag...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Limited Edition Woven Snakeskin Clutch BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Boca Raton, FLWhile Judith Leiber is often highlighted for her over-the-top, jewel encrusted, novelty bags, her earlier work represents a different creative sensibility. Through careful selection ...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tassel Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLFirst introduced in the 1960s, the intrecciato (technique of weaving the leather) weave style became the iconic hallmark of Bottega Veneta leather goods—and eventually so much more. Starting out as a ready-to-wear brand, the intrecciato pattern was a happy accident that allowed for the house to introduce sturdy leather accessories without upgrading to expensive equipment. The design is rather simple but is instantly recognizable as the essence of Bottega Veneta. Done in a buttery chestnut colored leather the exterior of this clutch dons the iconic Bottega weave...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Vintage Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tassel Clutch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Boca Raton, FLFirst introduced in the 1960s, the intrecciato (technique of weaving the leather) weave style became the iconic hallmark of Bottega Veneta leather goods—and eventually so much more. Starting out as a ready-to-wear brand, the intrecciato pattern was a happy accident that allowed for the house to introduce sturdy leather accessories without upgrading to expensive equipment. The design is rather simple but is instantly recognizable as the essence of Bottega Veneta. Done in a buttery chestnut colored leather the exterior of this clutch dons the iconic Bottega weave...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- 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
- 1970s Louise Fontaine Green Crocodile Clutch / Shoulder BagLocated in London, GBA rare early 1970s Louise Fontaine hunter-green porosus crocodile clutch/shoulder bag, comprising of one compartment with one gusseted zipper pocket, f...Category
20th Century Belgian Shoulder Bags
- Salvatore Ferragamo Vintage Navy Blue Leather Shoulder Bag or Clutch HandbagBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Portland, ORThis is a lovely vintage navy blue leather Salvatore Ferragamo handbag with blue suede trim around the edges of the flap extending to the back and a removable, adjustable suede stra...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Fendi Vintage Leather Bag Convertible in LengthBy FendiLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful vintage bag designed by the great designer Fendi in the 1980s, made in France. The bag has rectangular shape, leather, with a crocodile texture, black color. The bag is sig...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$439 Sale Price73% Off