Judith Leiber Rhinestone Kitty Cat Brooch Pins C1980s
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Kitty Cat Brooch Pins C1980s
About the Item
- Creator:
- Dimensions:Width: 1 in (25.4 mm)Length: 2 in (50.8 mm)
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. excellent vintage.
- Seller Location:Montreal, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: M0101721stDibs: LU515243606
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.
- Kramer Retro 1950s Swarovski Leaf PinBy Kramer of New YorkLocated in Montreal, QCA Stunning Classic stylized Retro Leaf brooch pin set with clear marquis-cut and rectangular-cut Swarovski Crystals; signed KRAMER of NEW YORK. So Beautiful in real! Add Pizazz and ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches
- Designer Red and Black Bakelite Bow Ribbon Pin BroochLocated in Montreal, QCFabulous Designer Chunky Red and Black Bakelite Layered Bow Tie Ribbon Pin Brooch. For that Special Someone, including You!Category
Vintage 1980s Modernist Brooches
- Ivar Holth White Enamel Sterling Silver Starfish Brooch Pin Norway Estate FindBy David AndersonLocated in Montreal, QCVintage Mid-century David Andersen Beautiful white Enamel Guilloche gilt sterling silver Starfish brooch signed with Ivar Holth's "H" hallmark, 925 STERLING NORWAY; Stunning with abs...Category
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Mid Century Modern Aksel Holmsen Floral Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch PinBy Aksel HolmsenLocated in Montreal, QCBeautiful Aksel Holmsen Floral Yellow and Green Guilloche Enamel Gilt Sterling Silver Brooch Pin; marked: NORWAY STERLING 925S with Aksel Holmsen trademark. C1950s. A perfect complem...Category
Vintage 1950s Norwegian Modernist Brooches
MaterialsGold Plate, Sterling Silver
$350 Sale Price22% OffFree Shipping - Dynamic Rebajes Mid Century Modern Copper Coil Brooch PinBy RebajesLocated in Montreal, QCFeaturing a Copper Coil center design with darkened area behind the coil for added depth and. Signature: Rebajes on the back.Approx. size: 2.25" x 2". C1950s Fabulous and Unique as ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Brooches
MaterialsCopper
- Modernist Swarovski Retro Stylized Wing Brooch PinLocated in Montreal, QCA stunning stylized Retro wing pin set with clear marquis, rectangular and round-cut Swarovski Crystals; approx. length: 2”. Circa: 1950s. A Sparkly Classic to make you shine!Category
Mid-20th Century Modernist Brooches
- One of a Kind 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Blue Pink Sapphires Butterfly BroochBy FRALEONILocated in Rome, IT18 kt. white gold brooch with 4.84 carat of round-cut diamonds ( H-I color - VVS1-VVS2 ) and 39.26 carat of double rose-cut blue and pink sapphires. This one of a kind brooch...Category
2010s Italian Modern Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$20,369 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping - 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Sapphire Diamonds Flower BroochBy FRALEONILocated in Rome, IT18 kt. yellow gold brooch with 8.91 ct. of round cut diamonds and 33.15 ct. of round and oval cut multicolored sapphires. This classic brooch is hand-made in Italy. The brooch can al...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1970 Lunati 18 kt Gold Bird Of Paradise BroochLocated in Palermo, ITGold brooch with Blue enamel and 0.60-carat diamonds, Italian manufacture Lunati. Tear-off security closure Approximate size: Very large, 12 cm A stunning piece of wearable art. The ...Category
Vintage 1970s European Retro Brooches
MaterialsWhite Diamond, 18k Gold
- Vintage Ruby and Diamond Flower BroochLocated in Armadale, VictoriaIntroducing a timeless piece of elegance: the 18ct White Gold Large Ruby And Diamond Flower Brooch. Crafted circa 1960, this exquisite accessory exudes vintage charm and sophisticati...Category
Mid-20th Century Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby
- Victorian Burma Sapphire 4.60ct Certificated Untreated, Pearl, Ruby Bee/Insect/BLocated in London, GBAn exceptional, exquisite and well preserved Victorian brooch in the form of a bee with ruby eyes, sapphire and diamond wings, natural pearl and cabochon natural untreated Burma Sapp...Category
Antique 1850s British Victorian Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapph...
$38,795Free Shipping - Diamond Needle, Platinum Art Deco, circa 1920Located in Berlin, DEDiamond needle, Platinum Art Deco around 1920 Classic piece of jewellery or fashion accessory of the Twenties, one liked to see what one could afford. This, however, in a simple ele...Category
Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold, Platinum