Judith Leiber Vintage Mini Decorative Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Vintage Mini Decorative Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.91 in (15 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 1.97 in (5 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk
- Condition:Pre-owned, excellent condition Next-to-new, hardly used, superb throughout.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DB3JL1stDibs: AU12112333691
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s (1921–2018) ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer made minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) 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.
Like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber’s minaudières were the result of a happy accident. In 1967, she 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 dazzling 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,” she 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 her 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 Leiber’s handbags). 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 celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find a collection of vintage Judith Leiber handbags and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- 1960's Vintage Beaded BagLocated in London, GBThis vintage hand-made beaded bag from the 1960s features Autumn hues with snap lock closure and a black handle. Fully lined in black satin, this bag has one open interior pocket and...Category
1960s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage 1950s Aqua Blue Beaded HandbagLocated in London, GBA truly prized vintage handbag from the 1950s. Dazzlingly in its shimmering textures, its evocatively rippled pattern of aqua blue beads is offset with a gold-tone frame. Its top cla...Category
1950s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel feather clutch bagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCovered in an array of wispy feathers to create a beautiful movement, This pre-owned Chanel clutch from the years 2000- 2002 is the perfect accessory for a glamorous night out. Sized for just essentials, this beautiful bag features metallic gold trims...Category
Early 2000s European Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Plaid Crystal Minaudiere BagLocated in London, GBThis full bead minaudiere is desgined in a rounded rectangular shape and made of Austrian crystals with gold hardware and trim and push lock clasp. Chain shoulder strap may be tucked...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Yves Saint Laurent Metal Tuxedo BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBA unique statement bag, this Yves Saint Laurent Tuxedo Bag is crafted of antique silver tone metal and features turquoise studs, a signature YSL monogram, a...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Chain Detailed ClutchBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis edgy chain detailed clutch from Chanel comes from their Fall 2017 collection. For this collection, the runway Karl Lagerfeld transformed the...Category
2010s Clutches
- Chanel 2.55 Reissue Limited Edition Airplanes Flap Blue Denim Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Limited Edition Denim Airplanes Flap CHANEL Denim Airplane Embroidered is a stylish shoulder flap bag is made of fine denim with an airplane patch, a rainbow and a blue ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Jean Louis Scherrer Suede Bag with Deco MotifsBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in Alford, MAJean Louis Scherrer shoulder bag in black suede bordered in rust suede, the front border ornamented with Art Deco-style medallions, each centering alternating black and carnelian sto...Category
Late 20th Century French Shoulder Bags
- 1940s Gold Lamé Evening Bag With Moonstones, Amethysts And GarnetsLocated in London, GBA rare late 1940s gold lamé evening bag, featuring all-over gold and silver bullion appliqué work, in a stylised daisy, petal, bud and geometric design, the pistils of round and oval...Category
20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2002 Collection Ostrich Leather Mini Bag Cigarette CaseBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in Montgomery, TXCollectible Limited Edition Gucci by Tom Ford Ostrich Black Mini Bag F/W 2002 Collection Serial N# 104629 - 0950 Ostrich, Adjustable Black Braided Leath...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Andrea Pfister Gold & Silver Leather Disk Handbag, 1980'sBy Andrea PfisterLocated in Atlanta, GADisco Days! This 1980's Andrea Pfister shiny gold and silver leather round handbag is reminiscent of a pastille ... sweet and petite! The long multi s...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- 1988 Chanel Bordeaux Leather Shoulder Vintage BagBy ChanelLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITChanel Vintage bag, vintage 1986-1988, made of burgundy lizard skin with gold hardware. Features a front flap with button closure. The interiors are lined with a smooth burgundy leat...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières