1980s Judith Leiber Butterfly Belt
Sold|$525
1980s Judith Leiber Butterfly Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
An adorable Judith Leiber butterfly belt encrusted with rose quartz, jade, black onyx and amethyst
Sold|$525
1980s Judith Leiber Butterfly Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
An adorable Judith Leiber butterfly belt encrusted with rose quartz, jade, black onyx and amethyst
1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1980s Lion's head belt from iconic designer Judith Leiber! Gold and silver metal lion's
1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1980s Lion's head belt from iconic designer Judith Leiber! Gold and silver metal lion's
1980s Judith Leiber Snakeskin Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
Judith Leiber cream snakeskin evening clutch with semiprecious stones and gold frame.
1980's Judith Leiber White Leather Mesh See-Through Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rare MESH SEE-THROUGH shoulder bag created by Judith Leiber in the 80's. This handbag has a
1980s Judith Leiber Lizard Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
Judith Leiber purple lizard evening clutch with semiprecious stones and gold frame. Has optional
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
JUDITH LEIBER Adjustable Lizard Skin Belt With Lion Motif, 1980's
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
1980’s Judith Leiber adjustable coral red lizard skin belt with gold plated lion medallions and
1980's Judith Leiber Black Python Belt with Multi Color Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A 1980’s Judith Leiber belt made from beautiful black python and a gold and silver geometric buckle
1980s Judith Leiber Red Quilted Lambskin Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Vintage Judith Leiber butter soft red quilted lambskin cross body shoulder bag. Dates from the 1980
1980s Judith Leiber Purple Snakeskin Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
Judith Leiber purple snakeskin evening bag with gold and semiprecious stone frame and optional gold
1980s Judith Leiber Black Exotic Skin Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The best evening bag for your dollar. Classic python Judith Leiber clutch with cabochon studded
1980s Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous lizard skin evening bag from Judith Leiber! Made of soft black lizard with pleated
Judith Leiber Tiger Vanity Objet d'art, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Extremely rare 1980's Judith Leiber Tiger vanity objet d'art . Gold plated hardware, with an
1980s White and Gold Judith Leiber Novelty Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Judith Leiber belt. White patterned leather with gold tone twisted details across the front
1980's Judith Leiber Extra Large Magenta Snakeskin Tote with Gold Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous Judith Leiber tote. The handbag is composed of a striking magenta snakeskin and
JUDITH LEIBER c.1980's White Lizard Skin Silver & Gold Statement Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Judith Leiber c.1980's white lizard skin / leather statement waist belt. White lizard skin
Judith Leiber Crystal Jeweled Frog Minaudière c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Endearing crystal jeweled minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The beguiling frog is
Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Unique foo dog brooch / pendant necklace The versatile design transitions from an
Sold|$950
Judith Leiber Crystal Egg Locket
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The incredible 1980s Judith Leiber egg locket! This piece is hard to come by- by the prolific
1980s Judith Leiber Suede and Gold "Door Knocker" Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
A bold 1980s Judith Leiber belt: Back-buckle, leather lined, with extra large gold-plated lion's
1980s Judith Leiber Red Lizard Belt with Gold Details
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980s red lizard Judith Leiber adjustable belt. Large gold and silver tone buckle with hook closure
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Floral Stitched Handbag - circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Floral Stitched Handbag - circa 1980s. This bag is in excellent
JUDITH LEIBER c.1980's Red Lizard Skin Leather Frame Top Evening Bag Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Judith Leiber c.1980's red lizard skin leather frame top evening bag. Red lizard skin
1980s Judith Leiber Grey Reptile Effect Clutch with Frogs
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very fun Judith Leiber evening clutch from the 1980s. Frame shape with a dark grey reptile and gold
1980s Judith Leiber Large Black and Gold Evening Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Judith Leiber large art deco style evening clutch from the late 1980s. Black imprinted simulated
Judith Leiber Glass Cabochon Enamel Frog Brooch & Earrings Set c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Charming glass cabochon white enamel frog brooch & earrings set c 1980s The set is
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Judith Leiber Gilt Boot Buckle Black Leather Belt ca 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Gilt boot buckle black leather belt circa 1980s The stylish belt is adorned with a
Judith Leiber Lion Clasp Embossed White Leather Handbag c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Lion clasp embossed white leather handbag c 1980s The elegant handbag is adorned with
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt Circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Tone Horse Double Belt. This is pure 1980s. There are 2 rows of
1980s Judith Leiber Black Patterned Leather Belt with Monkey Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980s Judith Leiber thin black patterned leather belt. Buckle features three gilt metal monkey
1980s Judith Leiber Black Patent Leather Bag with Colourful Cabochons
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Judith Leiber frame style evening bag from the 1980s. Black patent leather with gold tone
1980s Judith Leiber Brown Stamped Leather Bag with Tigers Eye Cabochons
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning 1980s Judith Leiber shoulder bag. Brown stamped leather with gold tone hardware, tigers
Judith Leiber Glass Stone Blue Suede Clutch - Shoulder Bag c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Glass elegant stone blue suede clutch - shoulder bag c 1980s The stylish handbag is
Judith Leiber Elegant White Karung Leather Clutch - Shoulder Bag c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
JUDITH LEIBER Elegant white karung leather versatile clutch - shoulder bag c 1980s The small
Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Belt with Amethyst and Rose Quartz, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
style icons and superheroes alike. From the brilliant minds at Judith Leiber comes this eclectic
1980s Judith Leiber Black Leather Belt with Black and White Pearl Accents
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Judith Leiber Black Leather Belt with Black and White Pearl Accents
Judith Leiber Thick Brown Suede Belt W/Gold Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a thick dark brown suede belt with gold hardware by Judith Leiber, from the 1980's. The
Judith Leiber Gold "Horse" Money Clip/Book marker, Circa 1980
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a collectible gold "horse" money clip or book marker by Judith Leiber, from the 1980's. It
1980s Judith Lieber Emerald Green Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Brand new early 80's Judith Lieber Green chevron pattern leather bag with "goldtone" hardware
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold-Tone Stretch Double Belt With Rhinestone Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the iconic Judith Leiber 1980s Gold-Tone Stretch Double Belt with Rhinestone Buckle, a
Judith Leiber 1980's Burgundy Snakeskin Gold Bamboo Frame Evening Bag Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tustin, CA
Collectible vintage Judith Leiber 1980's burgundy snakeskin leather evening bag, purse or clutch
Judith Leiber 1980s Pink Snake Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your bag collection with this amazing Judith Leiber clutch! Circa 1980s, this bag is
Judith Leiber 1980s White Lizard Skin Evening Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your evening look with this amazing Judith Leiber clutch! Circa 1980s, this clutch is
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Belt 1980's
By Judith Leiber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Judith Leiber brown leather belt 1980's with gold and silver tone buckle with a three large
1980's Judith Leiber Purple Lizard & Leather Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous 1980s purple leather clutch from none other than bag designer Judith Leiber. Crafted from
1980's Judith Leiber Minaudiere Crystal Flame Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This authentic Judith Leiber Minaudiere Crystal clutch is perfect for night outs. Crafted in
Judith Leiber Leather Belt 1980's with Cameo Cabochon
By Judith Leiber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Judith Lieber Leather Belt 1980's with gold tone buckle with a large cabochon Art Deco clasp with
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
1980s Judith Leiber Watermelon Enamel Crystal Earrings
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Adorable pair of Judith Leiber watermelon earrings! Gold metal with red and green enamel- accented
1980's Judith Leiber Black Lizard Belt with Gold Details
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Judith Leiber black lizard and leather adjustable belt with intricate Etruscan gold plated
Sold|$600
1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Judith Leiber cross body black lizard skin bag with gold hardware. Double gold tone long
1980s Judith Leiber Snakeskin Buckle Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Amazing 1980s buckle belt from the iconic designer Judith Leiber for Saks Fifth Avenue! Gold metal
1980's Judith Leiber Black Leather Wallet With Elephant Charm
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant elephant! This small scale Judith Leiber black leather wallet is a tri-fold design just
1980s Judith Leiber Glossy Snakeskin Wallet
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Adorable Judith Leiber wallet! Made of soft purple snake skin leather with a super glossy snakeskin
1980s Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Wallet
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Store your cards in style with our Judith Leiber snakeskin wallet! Made of a black, super glossy
1980's Judith Leiber Art Deco Style Black Satin Evening Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
. This 1980's Judith Leiber silk satin handbag is beautifully designed with Art Deco inspired details
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.