Judith Leiber Full Bead Minaudiere Chain Evening 1ma4 Silver X Gold Crystals
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Dix hills, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2409214344582
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: Dix hills, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Céline Trapeze Cel Trapeze-232953 Dark Green Leather X Suede Weekend/Travel BagBy CelineLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: S-SN-0122 FP-0412 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11.61" Width: 7.1" Height: 9.44" Shoulder strap drop: 14" Handle drop: 5.5" OVERALL GOOD C...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Trousse Toilery Pouch Gm 232555 Green Taiga Leather WristletBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: CA0055 Made In: Spain Length: 10 in Width: 3 in Height: 8 in OVERALL B- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Retail $1030 Signs of Wear: Outside has marks a...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull Damier Ebene Mm 3lk0319 Brown Coated Canvas ToteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: VI502X Made In: France Measurements: Length: 12.5" Width: 6" Height: 11.5" Shoulder strap drop: 9" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Retail ...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Crossbody Juliette 872637 Navy Blue Monogram Mini Lin Canvas BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 8.26 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 21 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 4.33 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 11 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 17.7 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 45 cm(ap...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Fendi Stripe Bicolor Pecan Monogram Pequin 868370 Red Canvas ToteBy FendiLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 13.3 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 34 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 10.2 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 26 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.90 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 15 cm(app...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Blue Herline Fourre Tout with Pouch Blue Two Tone 1HER82KBy HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: France Measurements: Length: 14" Width: 7" Height: 10.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: None Handle Drop: 5" OVERALL FAIR + CONDITION ( 6.5/10...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin 30 Himalayas in Excellent ConditionBy HermèsLocated in Hong Kong, HKStamp Y Excellent Condition This item is final sale and not eligible for return.Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin 30 Togo Gris Pale Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermès Birkin 30 Gris Pale Togo Calfskin Leather Palladium Hardware Condition & Year: New 2023 Material: Togo Calfskin Leather Measurements: 30cm x 23cm x 1...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Nancy Gonzalez Pearl White Crocodile Shoulder BagBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in Philadelphia, PANancy Gonzalez Pearl White Crocodile Shoulder Bag in good condition. White pearlized crocodile skin with double top handles and pleated body style. Top hidden magnetic closure opens ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Nancy Gonzalez Iridescent Peal White Crocodile HandbagBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in Philadelphia, PANancy Gonzalez Iridescent Peal White Crocodile Handbag in excellent condition. Iridescent pearl crocodile exterior with top double hand...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- RARE Hermes Kelly Flat 35 White Swift Silver PDHBy HermèsLocated in Philadelphia, PARARE Hermes Kelly Flat 35 White Swift Silver PDH in very good condition. Originally designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, the Kelly flat is a unique take on the t...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Vintage Denim Quilted Drawstring Hobo Shoulder Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Pre-Owned 2008-2009 diamond quilted drawstring tote Featuring silver-tone hardware, a diamond quilted finish, an internal logo patch, chain and fabric top handles and a strip...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags