Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980's
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Length: 8 in (20.32 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition aside from two faint marks under the fold over flap not visible when worn. These are shown in photo 7.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7363504663
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: University City, MO
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Italian Crystal Encrusted Oval Tassel Minaudière circa 1980sLocated in University City, MOItalian crystal encrusted oval tassel evening clutch c 1980s The elegant gilt metal minaudière is embellished with rows of glittering glass crystals on the front exterior A sinuous...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- GUCCI Italy Brown Suede Clutch Purse c 1970sBy GucciLocated in University City, MOGUCCI Italy Chic brown doeskin suede clutch bag c 1970s The brown suede covering is designed with Gucci's subtle G initials repeated throughout the front and back exterior sides in...Category
1970s Italian Clutches
- Evans Gilt Metal Guilloche Enamel Evening Bag Compact Case c 1950sBy Evans Case CompanyLocated in University City, MOEvans Opulent gilt metal guilloche enamel evening bag - compact case c 1950s The elegant gold metal case has an etched sun burst finish. The front exterior panel is adorned with a guilloche floral enamel plaque The evening bag - case is carried with a mesh handle strap that may slide over the wrist The interior is designed with two separate compartments. One of the compartments is designed with a vanity mirror, rouge powder compartment, and a lipstick holder The other interior compartment is designed as a cigarette compartment, This could be adapted into a compartment to place credit cards and paper currency...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Pierre Cardin Sleek Python Versatile Clutch Bag c 1970By Pierre CardinLocated in University City, MOPierre Cardin Sleek python versatile clutch bag c 1970 The chic handbag is covered with exotic python skin The versatile designs converts from a mod clutch Transitions to a stylis...Category
1970s French Clutches
- Judith Leiber Crystal Jeweled Frog Minaudière c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Endearing crystal jeweled minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The beguiling frog is encrusted with elaborate tiny glittering diamante crystals. Adorned with green glass cabochon eyes; accented with gilt metal grooved eye brows The frog's back is embellished with clusters of amethyst; jade green & jet black small glass color cabochons scattered throughout the rows of contiguous brilliant diamante crystals The endearing frog's posture creates the appearance of being on the verge of leaping away... The legs, brows & sides are sheathed in shiny polished gilt metal. The clasp mechanism is distinguished with a green glass opaque cabochon The versatile design transitions from an opulent clutch; converts into an elegant shoulder bag suspended from a sinuous gilt metal chain strap Makes an exquisite accessory for holidays, weddings or any special formal occasions. The charming design merges elegance & whimsy brilliantly The interior is lined in gold metallic foil inscribed on a gilt metal plaque: Judith Leiber. Paired with a gilt metal vanity comb engraved Judith Leiber Measurements The length from the frog's nose to the back edge measures 4.5 inches. The width across the base of the center section measures 3 inches approximately The drop length from top of the chain strap to the base of the frog's extended back leg measures 23.25 inches The jeweled evening bag rest...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950sBy ElginLocated in University City, MOOpulent mother of pearl crystal encrusted evening bag- compact case designed by Eligin c 1950s The elegant evening purse - cosmetic case is designed with exotic mother of pearl tiles throughout the exterior The lid cover is encrusted with collection of aquamarine glittering crystals accented with a floral motif in the center. The interior is designed with a pair of rouge & face powder compartments. The gilt metal lid covers are adorned with art deco style leaping gazelles Paired with a brown cloth carrying case suspended from a hand strap The elegant case may be carried as a chic clutch style purse separately without the carrying case Designed by Eligin American Measurements: The length of the mother of pearl case...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Chanel Pink Quilted ClutchBy ChanelLocated in London, GB* Light pink * Leather * Signature interlocking CC turn-lock pendant * Diamond quilting * Top zip fastening * One main compartment * Excellent Condition: This previously owned item i...Category
2010s Clutches
- Vintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Silk Sunflower Clutch BaguetteBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Print Silk Sunflower Clutch Baguette in excellent condition. Leopard print silk trimmed with gold leather...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Chanel 2006 Spring Runway Vintage Mini Resin Pillbox Crossbody Clutch MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel resin pillbox limited edition runway minaudière 2006 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Silver hardware Circular resin design with CC logo Black leather interior lining 2.25”W x 4”H x 2”D...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top Clutch in good condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware, tiger's eye, and red and green gemstones along top edge. ...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Rose Quartz Gemstone Top ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Beige Lizard Rose Quartz Gemstone Top Clutch in very good condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and multi colored gemstones along top edge. Center ...Category
1980s Clutches