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Judith Leiber 1980s

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Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch
Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch

Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing the exquisite Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch, a luxurious and timeless accessory that exudes sophistication and elegance.

Category

1980s Clutches

Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch
Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch

Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing the exquisite Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch, a luxurious and timeless accessory that exudes sophistication and glamour.

Category

1980s European Clutches

Judith Leiber 1980s Swarovski Teddy Bear Belt
Judith Leiber 1980s Swarovski Teddy Bear Belt

Judith Leiber 1980s Swarovski Teddy Bear Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Get your hands on the Judith Leiber 1980s Swarovski Crystal Teddy Bear Belt—a whimsical and charming accessory that combines playful design with luxurious craftsmanship.

Category

1980s European Belts

Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace

Judith Leiber 1980s Gold & Pave' Rhinestone Double Link Necklace

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

This striking Judith Leiber statement necklace from the 1980s features alternating high-polish gold-tone links and pavé rhinestone-encrusted links in an interlocking motif.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Link Necklaces

Materials

Gold Plate

JUDITH LEIBER Black Gold Snakeskin Clutch Handbag
JUDITH LEIBER Black Gold Snakeskin Clutch Handbag

JUDITH LEIBER Black Gold Snakeskin Clutch Handbag

By Judith Leiber

Located in San Francisco, CA

JUDITH LEIBER 1980's handbag comes in a black reptile skin featuring a gold tone strap, garnet clasp gold tone closure, Judith Leiber toilette set with comb, mirror and little bag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1980s Judith Leiber Plexi Glass Ring
1980s Judith Leiber Plexi Glass Ring

1980s Judith Leiber Plexi Glass Ring

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Mod look 1980's Judith Leiber ring is unusual setting with multiple loops giving the impression of the plexi orb moving through time and space.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Judith Leiber Silver Bullfrog Miniaudiere, 1980s
Judith Leiber Silver Bullfrog Miniaudiere, 1980s

Judith Leiber Silver Bullfrog Miniaudiere, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Add some novelty to your evening looks with our amazing 1980s Judith Leiber silver bullfrog bag! Glossy silver metal bullfrog accented with green gem spots and eyes.

Category

1980s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch
1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch

1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Known for her exquisite use of exotic skins, this 1980s patchwork multi-skin brown and black geometric over-sized clutch with punch clasp by Leiber is a must have. The clutch has a f...

Category

1980s American Clutches

Vintage Judith Leiber Black Leather Wallet, 1980s
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Leather Wallet, 1980s

Vintage Judith Leiber Black Leather Wallet, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Slim dressy wallet by accessories queen Judith Leiber. Gathered flap on one side with mini frog accents. Can be worn dressy or casual. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 7"...

Category

20th Century Wallets

Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980's
Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980's

Judith Leiber Quilted Champagne Silk Bag with Faux Coral Clasp, 1980's

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Highly unusual Judith Leiber champagne silk handbag with trapunto embroidery forming wavelike rows that give this piece an interesting quilted effect. The closure is truly remarkabl...

Category

1980s American Clutches

1980s Judith Leiber Black and Gold Evening Clutch
1980s Judith Leiber Black and Gold Evening Clutch

1980s Judith Leiber Black and Gold Evening Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Stunning art deco inspired Judith Leiber frame clutch from the 1980s. Diagonally ribbed black courderoy style leather body with black reptile effect sides, base and trim.

Category

1980s American Clutches

1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace
1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace

1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendent Necklace

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The 1980s Judith Leiber Large Egyptian Style Gold-Tone Pendant Necklace is an exquisite example of vintage costume jewelry that effortlessly combines opulence with artistry.

Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Judith Leiber Avant-Garde White Enamel Mouse Brooch c 1980s
Judith Leiber Avant-Garde White Enamel Mouse Brooch c 1980s

Judith Leiber Avant-Garde White Enamel Mouse Brooch c 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Avant-garde white enamel mouse brooch c 1980s The whimsical brooch is designed with a pair of mice The mother has her small offspring perched upon her back Their eyes,...

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Artisan Brooches

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Judith Leiber Iridescent White Evening Clutch with Chain, 1980s
Judith Leiber Iridescent White Evening Clutch with Chain, 1980s

Judith Leiber Iridescent White Evening Clutch with Chain, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic Judith Leiber pouch style evening bag in simulated lizard in gold tone circa 1980s.

Category

20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières

Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This stunning Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap from the 1980s exemplifies the brand’s legendary craftsmanship and opulent design.

Category

Late 20th Century Clutches

Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap from the circa 1980s exemplifies timeless luxury and sophisticated craftsmanship.

Category

Late 20th Century Clutches

Judith Leiber Ivory Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Ivory Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Ivory Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Judith Leiber Ivory Snakeskin Clutch with Strap from the circa 1980s is a stunning example of vintage luxury craftsmanship.

Category

Late 20th Century Clutches

Judith Leiber  Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980s
Judith Leiber  Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980s

Judith Leiber Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Judith Leiber is internationally acclaimed for her glammed-up, kitschy accessories. Never dull, Leiber’s creations employ deep color combinations and sculpture forms that often refle...

Category

1980s Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Judith Leiber Roman Coin Black Snakeskin Leather Belt circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Roman Coin Black Snakeskin Leather Belt circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Roman Coin Black Snakeskin Leather Belt circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This exceptional Judith Leiber belt from the 1980s is a striking example of vintage luxury craftsmanship.

Category

Late 20th Century Belts

Judith Leiber Black Reptile Deco Evening Convertible Evening Bag, 1980s
Judith Leiber Black Reptile Deco Evening Convertible Evening Bag, 1980s

Judith Leiber Black Reptile Deco Evening Convertible Evening Bag, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Expertly designed by renowned handbag designer Judith Leiber, this 80s black reptile deco evening bag exudes elegance with its unique styling. The hidden removable leather strap allo...

Category

20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières

Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980s
Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980s

Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Jeweled gilt metal elephant buckle belt c 1980s The opulent belt is adorned with a large scale brushed gilt metal elephant head buckle; embellished with a collection of...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Belts

Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch from the circa 1980s is a stunning example of vintage luxury craftsmanship.

Category

Late 20th Century Clutches

Vintage Judith Leiber Reptile Leather Jade Buddha Clasp Bag, 1980s
Vintage Judith Leiber Reptile Leather Jade Buddha Clasp Bag, 1980s

Vintage Judith Leiber Reptile Leather Jade Buddha Clasp Bag, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Born in the tumultuous time of the World War decades, Hungarian born Judith Leiber achieved astonishing accomplishments for her work in handbag and leather good design. Being the fir...

Category

1980s Shoulder Bags

1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones
1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones

1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones

By Judith Leiber

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

1980's opulent Judith Leiber snake leather and gold belt with semi precious stones.

Category

Late 20th Century North American Belts

Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere
Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere

Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Add this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with a push-lock closure.

Category

1980s American Clutches

Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s

Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber stylish gilt metal dangling charm heavy chain belt c 1980s The elegant belt is adorned with 10 dangling charms designed with a man's head, horse heads & orb fobs The d...

Category

1980s American Belts

Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s

Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Tucson, AZ

Like Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable ...

Category

1980s American Structured Shoulder Bags

Judith Leiber Belt Encrusted Double Frog Expandable 1980s
Judith Leiber Belt Encrusted Double Frog Expandable 1980s

Judith Leiber Belt Encrusted Double Frog Expandable 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Wallkill, NY

Black Snake Skin Vintage Judith Leiber Belt. Cabochons set Onyx, Amethyst, and Jade stones with surrounding crystals. decorative frogs hinge together to form buckle closure. 21 3/4 i...

Category

1980s American Waist Belts

Judith Leiber Opulent Jeweled Large Scale Gilt Metal Butterfly Belt c 1980s
Judith Leiber Opulent Jeweled Large Scale Gilt Metal Butterfly Belt c 1980s

Judith Leiber Opulent Jeweled Large Scale Gilt Metal Butterfly Belt c 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Opulent crystal encrusted large scale gilt metal butterfly belt c 1980s The massive gilt metal butterfly buckle is embellished with rows of intricate diamante crystals ...

Category

1980s American Belts

Judith Leiber Gold Snake Chain Jade & Carnelian Belt
Judith Leiber Gold Snake Chain Jade & Carnelian Belt

Judith Leiber Gold Snake Chain Jade & Carnelian Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Boca Raton, FL

However, her designs run the gamut from novel pieces to time-tested classic simplicity which has ensured that her designs have been adored by high profile women throughout the decade...

Category

1980s Belts

Leiber Black Lizard Large Lizard Medallion Belt, 1980s
Leiber Black Lizard Large Lizard Medallion Belt, 1980s

Leiber Black Lizard Large Lizard Medallion Belt, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Reptile-linked, oversized medallions with gold and silver-tone radiating medallions. Large, center medallions. Some gold tone loss on center piece. Good condition. Additional inform...

Category

20th Century Belts

Large Black Satin Fabric Bow Hair Clip circa 1980s
Large Black Satin Fabric Bow Hair Clip circa 1980s

Large Black Satin Fabric Bow Hair Clip circa 1980s

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This hair clip pairs beautifully with a variety of styles, whether you're channeling the glamour of designers like Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent, or aiming for a more playful look ins...

Category

Late 20th Century Hats

Crystal Jewel Encrusted Pair of Large Monkey's Stretch Belt c 1980s
Crystal Jewel Encrusted Pair of Large Monkey's Stretch Belt c 1980s

Crystal Jewel Encrusted Pair of Large Monkey's Stretch Belt c 1980s

Located in University City, MO

Opulent crystal encrusted monkey belt buckle in the "style" of Judith Leiber c 1980s The charming pair of large scale monkeys are encrusted with rows of glittering diamante' crystals.

Category

1980s Unknown Belts

Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s
Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s

Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Tucson, AZ

"And though she be but little, she is fierce," said Shakespeare. With a whopping seven interior compartments AND a matching coin purse in an 8" package, this handbag might have been ...

Category

1980s American Structured Shoulder Bags

Judith Leiber 1980's Beige Lizard Bag
Judith Leiber 1980's Beige Lizard Bag

Judith Leiber 1980's Beige Lizard Bag

By Judith Leiber

Located in Birmingham, AL

Lovely Judith Lieber bag with strap, circa 1980's. Good Condition

Category

1980s American Handbags and Purses

Judith Leiber 1980's Black Lizard Bag

Judith Leiber 1980's Black Lizard Bag

By Judith Leiber

Located in Birmingham, AL

Pretty Judith Lieber lizard skin bag, circa 1980's with matching strap.

Category

1980s American Handbags and Purses

Judith Leiber 1980s Lizard Shoulder Bag
Judith Leiber 1980s Lizard Shoulder Bag

Judith Leiber 1980s Lizard Shoulder Bag

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic black mini shoulder bag in lizard by legend Judith Leiber. Semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals bejeweled on the goldtone link that is attached to short cross body str...

Category

1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980's Judith Leiber Maroon Lizard Skin Belt w/ Gold Tone Buckle
1980's Judith Leiber Maroon Lizard Skin Belt w/ Gold Tone Buckle

1980's Judith Leiber Maroon Lizard Skin Belt w/ Gold Tone Buckle

By Judith Leiber

Located in San Francisco, CA

1980's Judith Leiber fully-adjustable belt made in maroon lizard skin, with modernist gold tone belt buckle with two set-in glass beads, one black and one dark maroon.

Category

Late 20th Century Belts

1980s Judith Leiber Reptile Belt w/Round Medallions
1980s Judith Leiber Reptile Belt w/Round Medallions

1980s Judith Leiber Reptile Belt w/Round Medallions

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Reptile-linked, oversized disks with gold and silver-tone medallions. Large, center medallions. There is some loss to the gold-tone on buckle - see close-up of buckle in photos. Len...

Category

1980s American Belts

Judith Leiber Keychain - Red Rhinestones
Judith Leiber Keychain - Red Rhinestones

Judith Leiber Keychain - Red Rhinestones

By Judith Leiber

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Presented here is a new Judith Leiber keychain from the 1980's. It is an octagonal shaped gold tone metal perfume flask entirely encrusted with magnificent red Swarovski stones.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Miscellaneous

1980s Judith Leiber for Nieman Marcus Black Lizard Belt & Semi Precious Stones
1980s Judith Leiber for Nieman Marcus Black Lizard Belt & Semi Precious Stones

1980s Judith Leiber for Nieman Marcus Black Lizard Belt & Semi Precious Stones

By Judith Leiber

Located in London, GB

LABEL – Judith Leiber for Nieman Marcus FABRIC/FIBRE/MATERIAL – Gilded brass metal, semi precious stones, Lizard skin, calf skin leather lining Weight: Heavy COLOUR – Black belt, ...

Category

1980s American Belts

Judith Lieber 1980s Leather Wallet With Frog Accents
Judith Lieber 1980s Leather Wallet With Frog Accents

Judith Lieber 1980s Leather Wallet With Frog Accents

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Slim dressy wallet by accessories queen Judith Lieber. Gathered flap on one side with mini frog accents. Can be worn dressy or casual.

Category

1980s Wallets

Chic 1980s Judith Leiber Snakeskin and Gemstone Belt

Chic 1980s Judith Leiber Snakeskin and Gemstone Belt

Located in Washington, DC

Chic 1980s Judith Leiber Snakeskin and gemstone belt.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Collectible Jewelry

Judith Leiber 1980's White Lizard Evening Bag with Pink Stones
Judith Leiber 1980's White Lizard Evening Bag with Pink Stones

Judith Leiber 1980's White Lizard Evening Bag with Pink Stones

By Judith Leiber

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Judith Leiber 1980's White Lizard Evening Bag with Pink Stones.

Category

1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

Judith Leiber 1980s Solar System Symbol Choker
Judith Leiber 1980s Solar System Symbol Choker

Judith Leiber 1980s Solar System Symbol Choker

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber choker is sure to be your new favorite!

Category

Vintage 1980s American Pendant Necklaces

Gilt & Peacock Green Enamel Articulating Bracelet by Judith Leiber, 1980s
Gilt & Peacock Green Enamel Articulating Bracelet by Judith Leiber, 1980s

Gilt & Peacock Green Enamel Articulating Bracelet by Judith Leiber, 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in McKinney, TX

- Vintage item - Measures 7.5" length - .75" width - Gold plated - Shimmery peacock green enamel - Hidden push box clasp - By Judith Leiber (signed on interior) - Circa 1980s ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Bangles

1980's Judith Leiber Python Belt with Lion Buckle
1980's Judith Leiber Python Belt with Lion Buckle

1980's Judith Leiber Python Belt with Lion Buckle

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Judith Leiber 1980’s glossy wide black python belt with a spectacular gold buckle depicting two Chinese lions dotted with semi precious stones.

Category

1970s American Belts

Judith Leiber Blue Lizard Evening Clutch w/ Deco Inspired Frame
Judith Leiber Blue Lizard Evening Clutch w/ Deco Inspired Frame

Judith Leiber Blue Lizard Evening Clutch w/ Deco Inspired Frame

Located in Gresham, OR

An elegant Judith Leiber 1980s blue lizard skin evening clutch (optional convertible strap) with Art Deco inspired jeweled frame.

Category

1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980's Judith Leiber Python Handbag
1980's Judith Leiber Python Handbag

1980's Judith Leiber Python Handbag

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Judith Leiber python mini double handle handbag from the 1980's.

Category

1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980's Judith Leiber Plexi Bracelet and Ring Set
1980's Judith Leiber Plexi Bracelet and Ring Set

1980's Judith Leiber Plexi Bracelet and Ring Set

By Judith Leiber

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Mod look 1980's Judith Leiber plexiglass bracelet and ring set.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Other, Gilt Metal

1980's Judith Leiber Karung Convertible Clutch Handbag
1980's Judith Leiber Karung Convertible Clutch Handbag

1980's Judith Leiber Karung Convertible Clutch Handbag

By Judith Leiber

Located in Atlanta, GA

Though this handbag is from the 1980's, there is a touch of 1970's disco styling to Judith Leiber's ladylike Karung snakeskin design.

Category

1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

1980's Judith Leiber Tiger Vanity Objet d'art
1980's Judith Leiber Tiger Vanity Objet d'art

1980's Judith Leiber Tiger Vanity Objet d'art

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Extremely rare 1980's Judith Leiber Tiger vanity objet d'art . Gold plated hardware, with an encrusted Austrian Swarovski Crystals base.

Category

1980s Unknown Other

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Judith Leiber 1980s For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of judith leiber 1980s. If you’re looking for black judith leiber 1980s and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in brown, beige and more. Making the right choice when shopping for these accessories may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, all of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many classic iterations of judith leiber 1980s over the years, but those made by Judith Leiber and Hermès are often thought to be among the most stylish. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much are Judith Leiber 1980s?

On average, judith leiber 1980s on 1stDibs sell for $575, while they’re typically $125 on the low end and $8,500 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Judith Leiber for sale on 1stDibs

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.