Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Gold Python Snakeskin 007 James Bond Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104214220442
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: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Fendi Natural Python Snakeskin Two-Way HandbagBy FendiLocated in Philadelphia, PAFABULOUS FENDI natural snakeskin double compartment top handle bag in excellent condition. Natural python snakeskin exterior trimmed with gold hardware. Two seperate storage areas for carrying all your belongings safe and securely. Top compartment opens with a lifting logo clasp closure that reveals a suede lined interior that holds 1 zippered side pocket. The bottom compartment opens via two combination sliding locks that show a beige suede lined interior with removable cosmetic mirror...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Limited Edition Judith Leiber Rachel Zoe Python Medusa BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PALimited Edition Judith Leiber Rachel Zoe Python Medusa Bag in very good condition. Purple python exterior trimmed with maroon leather, matte gold hardware a...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Ganchini Clear Acrylic Bucket Bag with Gold PouchBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Salvatore Ferragamo Clear Bucket Bag with Gold Pouch in fair condition. Clear acrylic curved hardshell bucket with double handles and gold tone sign...Category
1990s Top Handle Bags
- Prada Gold Leather and Lace Pizzo bagBy PradaLocated in Philadelphia, PAPrada Gold Leather and Lace Pizzo bag in excellent condition. Gold leather body with a gold lace overlay, gold leather trim details, and silver hardwa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- RARE Chanel Nude Lambskin Hula Hoop BagBy ChanelLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Nude Lambskin Hula Hoop Bag in excellent condition. Rare hula hoop design from the 2012 spring runway. Nude quilted lambskin body with black lambskin d...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Ralph Lauren Vintage Cream Canvas Tan Leather Rickey BagBy Ralph LaurenLocated in Philadelphia, PARalph Lauren Vintage Cream Canvas Tan Leather Rickey Bag in fair condition. Cream canvas body surrounded by tan leather edges, corners, top flap and handle. Removable adjustable ma...Category
1990s Top Handle Bags
- Chanel 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection Green Chevron Pattern BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection Green Chevron Pattern Backpack 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection. Backpack, cc turn-lock fastening, cotton, other patterns, embossed logo, fr...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks
- Chanel Vanity Case Micro Mini 90s Vintage Iridescent Bronze Rare Patent ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Micro Mini 90s Vintage Patent Metallic Bronze Iridescent Vanity Case Rare 1994 [VINTAGE 28 Years} Diamond stitch iridescent patent leather Cl...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Hermes Kelly 25 Etoupe Swift Padded Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Kelly 25 Etoupe Swift Padded Palladium Hardware Condition: Pre-owned (like new) Material: Swift Padded Leather Measurements: 25cm x 18cm...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin Cargo 35 Sesame Canvas Swift Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Birkin Cargo 35 in sesame and canvas swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set with the original receipt. Sta...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Kelly Padded 25 Etoupe Swift Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Kelly Padded 25 in etoupe and swift leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn but has a slight sign on the front of the bag from st...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin HSS 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Honey Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Birkin HSS 35 in honey and shiny crocodile porosus leather with gold hardware. The bag is in very good condition, has a small mark on one corner as pictured. Comes as full set...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags