Judith Leiber Gold Rhinestone Coin Purse
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Gold Rhinestone Coin Purse
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (5.08 cm)Diameter: 1 in (2.54 cm)Length: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU488568212
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.
- NORMAN NORELL Vintage Gold Tone Cosmetic Set with Velvet BagBy Norman NorellLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Norman Norell set is composed of a gold tone metal. Features "N" Logo labeling. Comes with a lipstick case, travel perfume case, and two mirrors with...Category
20th Century American Wallets and Small Accessories
- YVES SAINT LAURENT Gold Foil Metallic Leather Pencil Skirt Size 42By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Yves Saint Laurent skirt is composed of a gold metallic leather. Features a side zipper and top stitched darts. In excellent vintage condition. This YSL gold leather...Category
20th Century French Pencil Skirts
- MISSONI Gold and Cream Metallic Houndstooth Stretch Blazer Size 40By MissoniLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Missoni blazer is composed of a gold and cream metallic knit with a houndstooth pattern. There are center front button closures with front pockets....Category
20th Century Italian Blazers
- Judith Leiber Black Lizard Clutch with Rhinestone Encrusted ClaspBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis vintage Judith Leiber handbag is composed of black lizard. The clasp closure is rhinestone encrusted. In excellent condition, sold 'as is'. Comes with original comb and dust bag...Category
20th Century Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Bellesto Crocodile Handbag, Circa 1960'sLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black crocodile handbag by Bellesto, from 1960. It has two handles which are 6" high, one main compartment, with three open pockets, and one zipped. It has gold detail on t...Category
1960s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Cordoba Alligator Handbag, Circa 1960'sLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black alligator handbag by Cordoba, from 1960. It has one handle, which is 5" high, one main compartment, with two open pockets, and one zips, with a gold clip closure.Category
1960s Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Rose Gold Leather PouchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Rose Gold Leather Cosmetic Pouch is in pristine condition. Neutral rose gold leather with zippered closure. Gold monogram fabr...Category
2010s Italian Cosmetic Bags
- Celine Metallic Gold Leather Flap Continental WalletBy CelineLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Durable and stylish, this wallet from Celine effortlessly fits in your cards and cash. Made from metallic gold leather, this wallet is a long-lasting accessory. It features multiple ...Category
2010s Italian Wallets
$364 Sale Price23% Off - Cartier Gold Leather Love Continental WalletBy CartierLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Ensure your essentials are in place with this continental wallet from Cartier. Crafted using gold leather, the wallet for women has a flap closure detailed with screw motifs from the...Category
2010s French Wallets
- Hermès GOLD PLATED L'HOMME PEUT EMBELLIR LA TERRE CADENA CHARMBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHermès GOLD PLATED L'HOMME PEUT EMBELLIR LA TERRE CADENA CHARM CONDITION NOTES The exterior is in very good condition with minimal signs of use. The hard...Category
Early 2000s Unknown Wallets and Small Accessories
- 2019 Hermès Gold Epsom, Celeste Chevre Mysore & Bleu Sombrero 'H' Lettre CharmBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Gold Epsom Leather, Celeste Chevre Mysore Leather & Bleu Obscur Sombrero Leather 'H' Lettre Charm Age (Circa): 2019 Accompanied By: Hermès Box Authenticity Details: (Made in ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets and Small Accessories
- new VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Medusa Baroque 100% silk face maskBy VersaceLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew VERSACE Gianni Signature gold Medusa Baroque 100% silk face mask Reference: TGAS/B01197 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Material: Silk Color: Gold Pattern: Floral Extra Detail: Worldwide Exclusive silk mask...Category
2010s Tech Accessories and Cases