Judith Leiber Custom Designed Snakeskin Cabinet.
About the Item
- Creator:Judith Leiber (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 34.5 in (87.63 cm)Depth: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1990-1999
- Date of Manufacture:1990's
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU791229089562
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Tommi Parzinger CabinetBy Tommi ParzingerLocated in New York, NYStunning Tommi Parzinger cabinet. Sleek sophisticated cabinet Newly restored in an ivory satin finish set on a rich Mahogany plinth base. The cabinet has two sets of drawers with t...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood
- Spectacular James Mont CabinetBy James MontLocated in New York, NYSpectacular James Mont cabinet Newly restored in a stunning high gloss lacquered finish. The cabinet features two center doors with adjustable interior shelves and six side drawers....Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsSoftwood
- Minimalist Cabinet by James MontBy James MontLocated in New York, NYStunning Minimalist cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been newly refinished in a high gloss white lacquer. The lacquered doors are accented by the silver leaf "X" door pulls.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsLacquer
- James Mont Mirrored Cabinet, 1950sBy James MontLocated in New York, NYExceptional 1950s mirrored cabinet by James Mont. This beautifully executed mirrored cabinet has a hand-carved deeply beveled silver leaf and burnish frame. The cabinet features fou...Category
Vintage 1950s American Cabinets
- Large James Mont Oak CabinetBy James MontLocated in New York, NYStunning large Bleached Oak cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been Newly refinished in a Natural bleached oak and is accented with Antiqued gilt pulls.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood
- Pair of James Mont Oak Front CabinetsBy James MontLocated in New York, NYStunning pair of cabinets by James Mont. The newly refinished black satin cabinets are set off by wonderful oak patchwork door fronts. One cabinet has four interior drawers and the...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood, Oak
- Cabinet designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1960sBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Stockholm, SECabinet designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1960s. Teak. Marked. Dimensions: H: 81 cm /2' 8'' W: 91 cm / 2' 11 3/4'' D: 48 cm / 19''Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsTeak
- Elan Low Cabinet by LK EditionLocated in Geneve, CHElan low cabinet by LK Edition Dimensions: 55 x 55 x H 265 cm Materials: Cedar. Lacquered, brushed, and sanded. Available with 6 drawers. It is with the sense of detail and...Category
2010s French Modern Cabinets
MaterialsLacquer, Cedar
- Harold Gold Cabinet by Jesse VisserBy Jesse VisserLocated in Geneve, CHHarold gold cabinet by Jesse Visser Dimensions: D88 x W53 x H190 cm (Also available in larger version 190 x 128 x 50 cm). 1 bar and 1 shelf included M...Category
2010s Dutch Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- William Hinn Dresser CabinetLocated in Riverdale, NYCool, sculptural Swedish walnut four-drawer dresser with wall mount cabinet (three compartments) by William Hinn. Amazing design with the curved dresser ...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Organic Modern Dressers
MaterialsWood
- Midcentury Walnut Side CabinetLocated in Brooklyn, NYThis simple walnut side cabinet is perfect for that room you need just a bit more storage space in. With ample room inside and a large functional top, this piece is both beautiful an...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
MaterialsWalnut
- Vintage Pine Cabinet, 1930'sLocated in Amsterdam, Noord HollandDresser made of pine. Produced in the 1930s. With a drawer and a shelf inside.Category
Vintage 1930s Hungarian Rustic Dressers
MaterialsPine