Judith Leiber White Karung Snake Jeweled Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:
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: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Judith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag with Stone Buckle Front.By Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag Clutch with Stone Buckle Front. A beautiful piece by the talented Judith Leiber, this karung snake clutch/handbag ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Clutches
- Gucci Vintage Navy Leather Clutch - GHW - Circa 1950'sBy GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGucci Vintage Navy Leather Clutch - GHW - Circa 1950's. The beautiful vintage clutch is in excellent vintage condition. It features a gold circular clasp and a blue jewel at center...Category
1950s Italian Clutches
- Christian Dior Vintage Burgundy Leather Clutch with Bow - circa 1990'sBy Christian DiorLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChristian Dior Vintage Burgundy Leather Clutch with Bow - circa 1990's. This bag is in fair good vintage condition with some scratches in the front and back of the bag. The piece has...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Unknown Red Crocodile Fold-Over ClutchLocated in West Palm Beach, FLUnknown Red Crocodile Fold-Over This clutch features a structured style with suede lining that has one interior pocket. It is in good condition with some wear on the skin. Measur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- VBH Dark Green Iridescent Martini Clutch First EditionBy VBHLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVBH Dark Green Iridescent Manila Clutch is a first edition 025-300 - only 300 of these bags were made. This spectacular clutch has a shimmer fabric in a beautiful forest green color....Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Roberto Cavalli Leopard Silk Print Snake Bracelet BagBy Roberto CavalliLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThe Roberto Cavalli Leopard Silk Print Bracelet Bag is a gold and brown leopard silk print clutch bag with gold leather piping with a removable gold/bronze serpent bracelet as handle. The removable handle has a gold clasp, a gold leather strap that attaches to the metallic snake bracelet. The bracelet can also be removed from the gold mini strap...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Black & White Faux Pearl Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CADESCRIPTION Tweed and faux leather Encrusted with faux pearls Non Removable woven velvet chain crossbody strap Interior pocket Measurements: Length: 9in Width: 4in Height: 6in St...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 1980s Gucci Grey Suede Convertible Cross Crossbody Hard ShellBy GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a fabulous grey suede hardshell Gucci convertible crossbody bag. From the 1980s, this clam shell style bag is constructed in a light grey suede contrasted with a darker grey leather at the closure, strap, and flap. The crossbody strap can be removed to use the bag as a clutch. A rare vintage Gucci bag...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessories Epi 24 Yellow Leather Crossbody BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Freehold, NJPre-Owned 100% Authentic LOUIS VUITTON Pochette Accessories 24 Yellow Epi Leather Added Strap to make a Crossbody RATING: B-...Good...Category
Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Elegant Black Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CAThe Brielle is a classic flap bag with a plush felt woven through the chain for a softer and more elegant look. Crossbody is pictured with removable charm; not included in purchase!...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Beige & White Woven Crossbody Flap Bag on CainLocated in Carlsbad, CAThe Brielle is a classic flap bag with a plush felt woven through the chain for a softer and more elegant look. DESCRIPTION Fold-over flap with turn-lock closure Tweed w/fringed edge...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Blue Love Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CADESCRIPTION Beaded letters on exterior Dual zipper closure Single top handle Removable woven faux leather chain strap Double compartment interior Interior zippered pocket Measureme...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags