JUDITH LEIBER Leather Shoulder Bag Hobo Beige Gold-Tone HW Crystal Top Zipper
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Hollywood, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2714216813542
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: Hollywood, FL
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- CHANEL Black Shoulder Bag Bowling JUST MADEMOISELLE Quilted Iridescent ChainBy ChanelLocated in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC CHANEL LARGE JUST MADEMOISELLE BOWLING BAG Design: - Black iridescent quilted leather. - Dual chain shoulder straps. - Shiny gunmetal metal CC charm and hardwa...Category
2010s Shoulder Bags
- ANYA HINDMARCH Shoulder Bag Black Leather Suede BELVEDERE Hobo Gold Canvas StrapBy Anya HindmarchLocated in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC ANYA HINDMARCH BLACK LEATHER SUEDE BELVEDERE SHOULDER BAG Design: - Black leather stripes over black suede background. - Dual flat handles with gold-tone metal...Category
2010s Hobo Bags
- LE SILLA Pink Patent Leather EVA THIGH HIGH Boots Stiletto Heel 120mm Sz 39By Le SillaLocated in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC LE SILLA EVA THIGH HIGH PINK STRETCH BOOTS Retail excluding sales taxes $979. Details: - Pink patent leather uppers. - Thigh high....Category
2010s High Heels
- CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN So Kate 120 Red Pink Faux Croc Leather Pump Pointed Toe 38Located in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SO KATE 120mm RED FAUX CROC PUMPS Design: - Red pink faux croc leather classic So Kate 120mm pointed toe pumps. - Self-covered heel. - Leat...Category
2010s Heels
- CHANEL Jacket Blazer Beige Wool Blend Gold HW Long Sleeve 36 Vintage 96ABy ChanelLocated in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC CLASSIC VINTAGE CHANEL WOOL BLEND BLAZER Collector's Piece! • Design: - Single breasted 4 button stunning fit jacket. - Beautiful in a light beige and cream...Category
2010s Blazers
- MARNI Jacket Leather Coat Blush Pink Black 3/4 Sleeve Pocket Sz 44 Summer 2014By MarniLocated in Hollywood, FLGUARANTEED AUTHENTIC MARNI BLUSH PIN LEATHER JACKET WITH BLACK LEATHER LINING Retail excluding sales taxes $3,370 Design: • Fresh blush pink color leather jacket. • Black leathe...Category
2010s Jackets
- Gucci Guccissima Gray Leather Indy Top Handle Crossbody Strap BagBy GucciLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Gucci always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The edgy bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Gucci House. A classic Guccissima bag...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1990s Chanel vintage beige nude linen quilted kelly top handle shoulder bagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCirca 1999 with original tags attached. Never used. 24k gold plated hardware Flat bottom opens to a large interior zipper closure. Lambskin interior lining. exterior large back poc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Limited Edition XL Maxi Organic Tweed Woven Summer Vacation Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Limited Edition XL Maxi Organic Tweed Woven Summer Vacation Shoulder Bag 2009 Brushed gold hardware Large CC logo Magnetic clasp closure Interior beige canvas lining Interio...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Beige Boy Flap Bag Quilted Calfskin MediumBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLChanel Beige Boy Flap Bag Quilted Calfskin Medium. This 2013-2014 version has a leather and chain-link shoulder strap with an adjustable buckle, a pus...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Vintage 90's Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Tweed Beige Classic Reissue Tote Bag W 10.63 inch, H 7.87 inch, D 3.15 inch Year 1994 Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Organic Rope Woven Quilted Nature Beige Tweed Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLThis Chanel Nature Tote Quilted Tweed, crafted from beige quitled tweed, features diamond quilted top trims, dual woven-in leather chain straps, inverted pleats details, and matte go...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags