1970s Judith Leiber 3"Wide Snake Skin Corset Belt w Gold & Chrome Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Judith Leiber 3" Wide Snake Skin Corset Belt w Gold & Chrome Hardware: Pull latch interlocking clasp closure in gleaming gold and chrome. 2-tone snake skin design.
Late 1960s/Early 1970s Judith Leiber Bag with Faux Gilt Straps
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Flawlessly crafted Judith Leiber bag from the late 1960s/early 1970s.
1970s Judith Leiber Chocolate Brown Leather Evening Bag
Located in New York City, NY
We love the unique shape of this smart leather mini purse by iconic bag designer Judith Leiber. Double clasps allow for both sides to swing open, so unique! Each compartment has 3-4 ...
1970's Judith Leiber Gold Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant 1970's Judith Leiber gold stencilled beige suede clutch with opaque white marcasite covered cube kisslock clasp.
1970's Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Skin Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Immaculate 1970’s Judith Leiber navy lizard skin belt. Adjustable belt fastens at the front with a hidden hook behind the gorgeous buckle.
1970's Judith Leiber Ostrich Belt with Shell Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Eye catching, mint condition, 1970’s Judith Leiber beige belt made from ostrich skin with an impressive center gold tone buckle.
1970's Judith Leiber gilt belt with semi-precious cabochons
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Judith Leiber gold gilt link belt with semiprecious cabochon stones dating to the 1970's.
1970's Judith Leiber Gold Cord Belt with Semiprecious Cabochon Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Judith Leiber gold gilt cord belt has semiprecious cabochon stones dating to the 1970's.
1970's Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Belt with Multi Colored Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1970’s Judith Leiber navy lizard belt with a beautiful multi-colored stone buckle.
Sold
Size: Unmarked (Best Fits X-Small)
1970's Judith Leiber Gold Filigree Mughal Style Emerald Green Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Opulence abounds with this rich Judith Leiber for Saks Fifth Avenue gold filigree green suede belt. The detailed jewelry style metalwork buckle has an exotic Kashmir type paisley de...
Judith Leiber Vintage Silver & Gold Repousse Handbag - circa 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Vintage Silver & Gold Repousse Handbag - circa 1970s.
Judith Leiber Asian Motif Silk Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Take on the evening with this stunning Judith Leiber clutch! Circa 1970s, this clutch features a beautiful Asian motif finished with glittering multi-colored rhinestones, two exterio...
1970's Judith Lieber Etruscan Gold Link Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
Dramatic and stunning gold linked waist ornament.
Judith Leiber 70s Leopard Print Snakeskin Convertible Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
Wonderful 1970s Judith Leiber convertible clutch/shoulder bag in leopard stenciled snakeskin!
RARE, Judith Leiber Large Black Crocodile Handbag, 1970
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare large black crocdile handbag with gold hardware by Judith Leiber, from the 1970's. The handbag has two 5" handles, one main compartment with two side zip pockets,...
Judith Leiber Black Satin Clutch/ Handbag, Circa 1970
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a black satin clutch or handbag by Judith Leiber, from the late 1970's. It has one main compartment, with one open slit pocket and one pocket that zips.
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Clutch/Shoulder Bag, Circa 1970
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage black leather clutch or shoulder bag by Judith Leiber, from the 1970's. It has a hidden 19" double strand fabric strap, tassels on each side, an open slit pocket on...
Judith Leiber Vintage Green Lizard Clutch w/Gold Hardware, 1970
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare vintage dark green lizard clutch with gold hardware by Judith Leiber, from the 1970's. The clutch has a hidden shoulder strap, one main compartment with a side zip poc...
Judith Leiber Vintage Beige Snakeskin Clutch/Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber, I. Magnin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous vintage beige snakeskin clutch or shoulder bag by Judith Leiber, from the 1970's. It has a hidden gold chain link shoulder strap, one main compartment with two ope...
Rare Judith Leiber 1970s Vintage Asian Inspired Crane Bird Convertible Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and rare 70s JUDITH LEIBER Asian inspired silk convertible clutch bag! Features hand embroidery in peach, pink, cream, green, brown and black. Attached gold chain strap can b...
1970s Vintage Judith Leiber Teal Snake Skin Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1970s Vintage Judith Leiber Teal Snake Skin Evening Bag with Gold and Silver Hardware.
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H 4 in D 1.5 in L 5.75 in
Judith Leiber Jewel Encrusted Gilt Metal Chinoiserie Minaudière c 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Jewel encrusted gilt metal minaudiere' c 1970s The opulent Chinoiserie style clutch is sheathed in a brushed gilt matte metal satin finish The lid cover is adorned wit...
1970s Judith Leiber Topaz Rhinestone Jeweled Minaudiere Shoulder Bag w Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Judith Leiber Topaz Rhinestone Jeweled Hard Body Minaudiere Shoulder Bag w Kiss Clasp: This is a stunning example of Leiber's early designs which is in a gourd shape entirely c...
Judith Leiber Rhinestoned Chevron Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Take on the evening with this stunning Judith Leiber evening bag! Circa 1970s, this bag features a beautiful metallic gold, orange, white and black chevron motif finished with glitte...
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H 8 in W 10 in D 1 in L 29 in
1970s Judith Leiber Lizard Crossbody/Clutch w/Mirror and Coin Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Port Hope, ON
This bag can be worn crossbody or detach the strap and use it as a clutch. There is a slit pocket in the back and the lining features both a zipped and a slit pocket. The front is d...
Judith Leiber 1970's woven leather bag in tomato red
By Judith Leiber
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Judith Leiber 1970's woven leather bag in tomato red Suede and leather with gold and silver hardware and chains.
Judith Leiber 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine and rare Judith Leiber 'jeweled' handbag. A completely Swarovski crystal covered 'trunk' theme item retains original matching coin purse and information card.
Judith Leiber 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage Judith Leiber belt. Vivid raspberry karung snakeskin slide belt features a gilt horse head buckle with gem set 'eye' (adjusting waist up to 36" X 1.75" wide).
Judith Leiber 1970s Hinged Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Innovative little double kangaroo pouch shoulder purse by Judith Leiber. Hinged book opening with long thin strap. 4 inner pockets. Satin lined . Depth is flexible due to expanding p...
Judith Leiber 1970's Clear Lucite Egg Minaudiere
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber clear lucite minaudiere from the early 1970's with gold chain and gold trim.
1970's Judith Leiber Rhinestone & Onyx Obi Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Judith Leiber evening bag studded with rhinestones of various colors. The material of this bag is made of antique obi fabric from Japan. This concept for the obi bags started...
1970's Green Judith Leiber Karung Clutch Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber karung (lizard) green clutch bag with gold frame. The frame is on the front and back of the bag. The bag is a deep emerald green color and the lining is a lighter emera...
1970's Judith Leiber Black Karung & Onyx Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber clutch/shoulder bag with black onyx embellished frame. The decorative frame is on both sides of this bag. This bag has a retractable should strap ...
Judith Leiber Desk Accessory 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine and unusual Judith Leiber catch-all desk accessory. Signed gilt metal figural "catch-all".
JUDITH LEIBER 'Jeweled' Clutch 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage Judith Leiber shoulder clutch handbag. Unused snakeskin item features a gilt metal frame set with semi-precious jewels. Lined interior houses matching skin 19" drop sh...
JUDITH LEIBER Metallic Karung 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage Judith Leiber metallic karung shoulder clutch. Metallic silver/lilac item features a silver tone metal frame with original double drop shoulder chain and silk interior...
Judith Leiber Mini Clutch 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage Judith Leiber mini clutch. Burgundy snakeskin item fully lined with a semi-precious stone mounted closure. Unused item retains original dust cover and signature box. B...
JUDITH LEIBER Porsus Crocodile 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine and rare vintage Judith Leiber porosus crocodile shoulder bag. Neutral finest grade crocodile skin item features a adjustable shoulder strap. Item closes with a tigers eye gem...
1970s Judith Leiber Red Ostrich Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber red ostrich clutch/shoulder bag from the 1970s.
1970s Judith Leiber Seashell Evening Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Dallas, TX
This amazing evening clutch either dates to the late 1970s or the early 1980s. My research has found both, so I'm not sure which is correct. The shell clutch is made from a real seas...
Judith Leiber 'Art Deco' Jeweled Clutch 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage art deco theme Judith Leiber clutch handbag. Unused midnight blue snakeskin item features a gilt metal frame set with semi-precious jewels. Pristine lined interior hou...
1970s Judith Leiber Navy Blue Ostrich Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber navy blue ostrich clutch/ handbag. The two arm chains, one in silver and one in gold can be slipped inside the bag if you wish to use this bag as a clutch. Skins are su...
Judith Leiber 'Petite Attache' Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Stamford, CT
designer/maker judith leiber era circa 1970s/1980s
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Obi Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic rhinestone embellished obi bag by Judith Leiber from the late 1970's - early 1980's.
1970's Leiber Gold Metallic Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
From the 1970's, gold metallic leather Judith Leiber evening purse with crystal studded modernistic handle.
1970s JUDITH LEIBER Gilt & Paste 'Art Deco' Karung Slide Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Fine vintage Judith Leiber gilt & paste 'Art Deco' black karung slide cinch belt. Authentic signed item fits 1 size all (up to 37" waist) X 2 1/4" wide. Large & gorgeous buckle measu...
1970's Leiber Evening Bag with Rhinestone Handle
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Leiber evening bag in silver leather with rhinestone handle from the 1970's.
1970's Leiber Plum Suede Deco Style Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A very early version of one of the more popular Leiber bags. This one was retailed by Amen Wardy of Newport Beach, CA. This bag is in excellent condition. The frame is studded with b...
Vintage Judith Leiber Taupe Lizard Evening Purse with Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York City, NY
Vintage late 1970s Judith Leiber crescent-shaped taupe lizard bag with detachable shoulder strap.
1970's Judith Leiber Pink Patent Leather Lucite Bracelet Bag
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber pink patent leather bag with clear lucite "bracelet" handles. There is a center compartment the closes with a kiss-lock and there are two open compartments. The lining ...
Early Judith Leiber Minaudiere
Located in New York, NY
Charming Judith Leiber minaudiere, probably from the 1970's.
1970s Rhinestone Studded Florentined Hand Engraved Horse Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber part beaded, Florentined hand engraved horse minaudiere from 1979. This minaudiere is featured on page 136 of the Judith Leiber The Artful Handbag book. This bag is ...
Judith Leiber 1970's Tan Python Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Tan python Judith Leiber bag from the 1970's with a tiger eye and jade clasp.
Judith Leiber Silk Embroidered Evening Clutch Handbag 1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A fine vintage Judith Leiber embroidered evening clutch/shoulder bag. Authentic black silk item features floral embroidery, gilt hardware and crystal covered kissing lock closure. De...
1970s Judith Leiber Zig Zag Patchwork Exotic Skin Handbag/Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a fabulous 1970s Judith Leiber zig zag patchwork clutch made up of snake skins, suede, leather and patent leather.
$6,500
Size: One-Size-Fits-All
1990s Custom Made Valentino Dyed Lavender Fox Fur Stole & Matching Handbag
By Valentino
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Custom Made Valentino Dyed Lavender Fox Fur Stole & Matching Handbag: Valentino-Attributed, unmarked custom-made for couture client, this shade of luxurious lavender is seamles...
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.