JUDITH LEIBER Black Satin Evening Bag with Jet Black Rhinestones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with jet black rhinestones.
JUDITH LEIBER Black Satin Evening Bag with Jet Black Rhinestones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with jet black rhinestones.
Judith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with Rhinestones
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with Rhinestones. This bag is in very good condition with light wear. It has a long gold strap that can be removed. Measurements: ...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag in very good condition.
Vintage Judith Leiber Asian-Inspired Red Orange Crystal Floral Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Judith Leiber evening bag in bold red-orange silk, featuring Asian-inspired floral motifs with blooms accented in crystals for a refined, light-catching finish.
Judith Leiber Silver Snakeskin Deco Motif Evening Clutch Bag, 2000s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the renowned handbag designer - Judith Leiber's stunning silver snakeskin evening bag.
Black Velvet and Silk Embroidered 1960s Zardozi Zari Gemstone Clutch India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The silk velvet rectangular bag, embroidered with a quatrefoil lattice design in gold and silver metallic thread, set with gold and silver garnet beads, the press stud fastening open...
Black Velvet and Silk Embroidered 1960s Zardozi Zari Gemstone Clutch India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The silk velvet rectangular bag, embroidered with a quatrefoil lattice design in gold and silver metallic thread, set with gold and silver garnet beads, the press stud fastening open...
1960's JUDITH LEIBER Black python evening bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Mint condition, 1960's JUDITH LEIBER Black python evening bag. This flawless, evening bag looks to have never been used, and is in pristine condition with absolutely no signs of w...
Judith Leiber Black Satin Top Handle Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Satin Top Handle Evening Bag This black satin top handle bag has a silver trim all along the sides of the bag with a top rhinestone section.
Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Rhinestone Details
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Rhinestone Details.
Judith Leiber Black Silk Satin Evening Bag with Rhinestone Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, ON
Judith Leiber Black Silk Satin Evening Bag with Rhinestone Clasp.
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER Black Silk Crystal Evening Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER evening bag in black silk satin featuring a silver tone metal handle with black crystal embellishments.
Judith Leiber Brown Satin Beaded Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Lovely Judith Leiber dark brown satin evening handbag with an envelope style silhouette and a front flap embellished with an array of beading and crystal rhinestones in shades of ora...
Judith Leiber Black Satin Rhinestone Handbag, Circa 1970
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful black satin handbag by Judith Leiber, from 1970. The handbag has a double satin handle, three compartments, two open slit pockets, and one that zips. There is a b...
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.
Judith Leiber Black Satin Trapunto Stitched Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New Hope, PA
A chic Judith Leiber black satin clutch is trapunto stitched in a variety of designs on the front and back. The frame is black satin and gold toned metal. The black satin interior ha...
Judith Leiber Black Silk Semiprecious stones Gold Chain Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Her creative yet meticulously crafted accessories have not only embodied style but have been regarded as art pieces in their own rite. This 1990s Judith Leiber handbag is made in a s...
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER Black Beaded Satin Evening Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
This vintage JUDITH LEIBER evening bag comes in black satin covered in various pebble, sequin, and circle beads, with a silver tone black crystal studded closure, and beaded strand h...
Judith Leiber Black Lace Printed Gold Leather Snake Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in an unusual black lace printed gold leather with a push button pearl closure embellished by a coiled pave crystal snake.
Judith Leiber Brown Karung Clutch Purse Gold Rose Closure
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a rare and beautiful Judith Leiber brown snakeskin leather clutch purse with accessories. It features a magnetic closure embellished with gold roses and shinning crystals, a ...
Judith Leiber Art Deco Lizard Skin & Enamel Frame Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in a black lizard skin with an Art Deco style enamel top frame embellished with crystals.
Vintage Judith Leiber Metallic Silver Leather Black Onyx Clap Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A vintage Judith Leiber silver metallic leather evening bag.
Judith Lieber Collectors Limited Ed. Snake Skin Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Exotic Black Crocodile Clutch with Jeweled Snake Motif, 21st Century A masterwork of bold sophistication, this exotic crocodile-embossed clutch by Judith Leiber exempli...
Black Judith Leiber Satin Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Black satin evening bag by Judith Leiber. Embellished with rhinestones.
JUDITH LEIBER Black Satin Art Deco Evening Bag SHW
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber Black Satin Art Deco Evening Bag Features silver, crystal and smokey glass detailing at top of bag Color: Black and silver Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Satin, me...
Judith Leiber Embroidered Satin Evening Bag GHW
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber Embroidered Satin Evening Bag Features rhinestone details throughout as well as a detachable satin twist w/tassel shoulder strap Color: Bronze, burgundy and black H...
Judith Leiber Black Satin Jeweled Frog Evening Bag c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Opulent black satin jeweled frog evening bag c 1980s The elegant black satin box-shaped evening bag is suspended from four rows of substantial gilt metal chains.
Judith Leiber Vintage Leather Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
This evening bag from the iconic Judith Leiber is finished with the accents of crystal so inherent to her glittering world.
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Geode Satin Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber purple evening back is structured with a top frame and snap clasp. The bag is made of satin with multi colored rhinestones forming the shape of Geodes and also has...
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 including a silver tone metal frame embellished with crystal rhinestones and frost...
Judith Leiber Couture Black Rhinestone Silver Metal Evening Bag 2016
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Couture black rhinestone, crystal rhinestone and silver metal chain handle, silver metal frame evening bag from 2016, original price $3495.
JUDITH LEIBER c.1980's Black Snakeskin Gold Scalloped Frame Evening Bag Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Judith Leiber c.1980's black snakeskin leather evening bag.
Judith Leiber 35th Anniversary Chatelaine Sterling Silver Sapphire Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber 35th Anniversary chatelaine sterling silver evening bag set with a 5 carat natural sapphire cabochon clasp.
Judith Leiber Brown Lizard & Crystal Clutch/Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber Brown Lizard & Crystal Evening Bag Features art deco style pave crystal detailing and optional thin chain strap Color: Brown, silver Hardware: Silvertone Materials...
Judith Leiber glazed black calf flap front snake chain handle evening bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber glazed black calf interior multi pocket flap front snake chain handle evening bag...Glazed black calf bag has a deep flap front, with expandable interior pockets, doubl...
JUDITH LEIBER Vintage One Size Black Silver Silk Evening Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER evening bag in a black silk satin featuring a silver tone metal trim with rhinestone studs, and push lock closure.
Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Silk Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag Clutch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Silk Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition.
Black Velvet and Silk Embroidered 1960s Zardozi Zari Gemstone Clutch, India
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
The silk velvet rectangular bag, embroidered with a quatrefoil lattice design in gold and silver metallic thread, set with gold and silver garnet beads, the press stud fastening open...
Judith Leiber Black Satin & Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Fun Judith Leiber evening bag from the 1990's - 2000's, an elegant take on the popular nylon tote bags, but this one is done in heavy black satin.
Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Malibu, CA
Judith Leiber Black Satin Minaudiere- PRISTINE This jeweled treasure is clearly the most chic way to carry the essentials for an evening.
Black Satin & Rock Crystal Judith Leiber Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black satin Judith Leiber evening bag from the 1980's.
Judith Leiber Black Satin & Rhinestone Deco Style Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black satin Judith Leiber evening bag with black and clear rhinestone deco style frame.
Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Rhinestone Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with a rhinestone frame.
Black Satin Evening Clutch Shoulder Bag by Judith Leiber
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This elegant black satin bag has a brilliant rhinestone frame and clasp. To open, the wearer pushes down on the top of the clasp. The evening bag can be used as a clutch or hands f...
Judith Leiber Cream and Black Satin Evening Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber cream and black satin evening clutch with rhinestone embedded clasp that resembles acorns.
Sold
H 4.75 in D 2.33 in L 9.25 in
1980s Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Jeweled Butterfly Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Judith Leiber black sating evening bag with jeweled butterfly clasp.
Black Karung Evening Bag by Judith Leiber HOLIDAY
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This is a timeless classic Judith Leiber evening bag in black karung with what appears to be jade and onyx style stones inlaid into the frame and clasp.
Judith Leiber Lace Overylay Evening Bag Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with black and gold lace overlay studded with black and gold rhinestones.
1980's Judith Leiber Black Karung & Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung Judith Leiber evening bag with a rhinestone, onyx and black rhinestone deco style frame from the 1980's.
1980 's Leiber Black Satin & Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pleated and gathered satin and rhinestone evening bag from the 1980's. Across the top of the bag is a gold tone braided black and clear rhinestone plaque. On top of the bag ...
Sold
H 5.75 in D 2 in L 9 in
1980s Judith Leiber Black Karung Evening Bag with Black & Clear Rhinestone Bow
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Charming Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) evening bag with a bow clasp encrusted with black and clear rhinestones.
Art Deco Style Evening Bag in Black Karung by Judith Leiber
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
The interior is lined with black silk satin. It retains its original Judith Leiber signature plate and on the opposite side it has an oval leather label stating "Saks Fifth Avenue b...
Judith Leiber Gold, Black and Rose Quartz 1980's Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
1980's Judith Leiber lizard evening purse with cabochon rose rose quartz stones is the clasp. Clasp measures 7/8" x 2 1/4". Retractable chain measures 40" long. It is very hard to de...
Judith Leiber Black Velvet Jewel Strap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York City & Hamptons, NY
This authentic Judith Leiber Black Velvet Jewel Strap Bag is in mint condition, perhaps carried once or twice. The timeless piece makes a striking addition to any formal ensemble an...
Black satin Leiber Rhinestone Bracelet Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
One of Judith Leiber's more successful designs, is the jeweled bracelet bag. The two handles are rhinestone encrusted and when the bag is worn over the wrist it looks like two stunni...
Sold
H 5.25 in D 1.75 in L 11.75 in
Judith Leiber Black Satin Clutch with Marquise Shaped Large Rhinestone
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black satin clutch with large marquise shaped rhinestones. There is an optional chain that has an 8.75" drop to the top of the bag. There is also a built in mirror in t...
Judith Leiber Black Satin & Rhinestone Evening Bag
Located in New York, NY
Black satin and rhinestone Judith Leiber evening bag from the early 1980's.
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Embellished Obi Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic Judith Leiber Obi Bag. Ms Leiber made these bags from antique obi fabrics that she bought in Japan. The original obi bag was made for a Neiman Marcus event but proved so po...
1980's Leiber Black Karung & Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber evening bag with black rhinestone frame.
Sold
H 3.5 in W 4.75 in D 1.25 in
Judith Leiber Black Reptile W/Clear Swarovski Crystal Borders & Base Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber created this coquette oval black reptile leather on a silver metal frame surrounded by clear Swarovski crystal border.
Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Jeweled Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with silver tone frame encrusted with grayish rhinestones meant to give the effect of marcasites used on antique purses.
Judith Leiber Black Satin and Rhinestone Evening Bag
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black satin and rhinestone frame evening bag.
Leiber Black Antelope Suede Evening Bag with Jeweled Bird
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black antelope suede purse with a jeweled bird in the upper left corner, in front of the pearl clasp. The bird is gold with black onyx, rose quartz, garnet and lapis ca...
Judith Leiber Black Satin Mini Evening Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Judith Leiber is the queen of evening bags! This elegant glossy black satin bag is perfect and makes it so easy to dress up any look.
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York City & Hamptons, NY
This authentic Judith Leiber Black Lizard Evening Bag is in mint condition, possibly carried only once.
1980s Judith Leiber Black Karung Clutch with Rhinestone Snail Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) clutch/shoulder bag with rhinestone snail clasp. Bag opens by pushing down on a pearl behind the snail. There is a black karung strap that folds ...
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...
$2,250Sale Price|40% Off
New Gucci Nouveau Python Fringe Bamboo Runway Clutch Bag in Red $3750
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags $3750 A Rare Find New Hand Stitched Stunning Red Python Bamboo Python Accent Leather Lining & Dual Zippered Interior Pockets Magnetic Closure at Front I...
Roberto Cavalli black/gray bustier
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli black with gray boning bustier has boning in seven sections for a more comfortable fit and wear. The center back has an zipper which measures 9". The shoulder straps ...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top st...
GUCCI TOM FORD small beaded bag S/S 2000
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Rubiera, RE
GUCCI TOM FORD collection S/S 2000 Small bag embroidered with camouflage-effect beads in blue and beige. It closes with a flap and magnetic button. Gold-tone metal rectangular link ...
1960s Coppola e Toppo for Saks Fifth Avenue Crystal Evening Bag
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A glamorous statement piece, perfect for vintage collectors or anyone channeling a retro Hollywood or Studio 54 evening look. It pairs gorgeously with a silk slip dress or a tailored...
1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage early-1950s blazer jacket in a beige and brown woven wool. Fully lined with front button closure. Light shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining. This has a ju...
Saks Fifth Avenue Vintage Evening Minaudière Polished Resin Clutch Bag
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking vintage evening minaudière created for Saks Fifth Avenue, most likely dating to the late 1960s. Crafted in Italy, the structured case is formed from polished resin designe...
$295Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Small - Medium
1950s 50s Ivory Woven ' Rosettes ' 3/4 Sleeve Vintage Cardigan Sweater
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 1950s ivory rayon cardigan! Intricate 'rosettes' embroidered throughout. Hook-and-eye closure at top neck. Extremely versatile. Great with jeans, yet perfect over a dress or ...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse Shawl Collar Swarovski 38
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Shawl collar Finest light purple fabric Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Swarovski crystal buttons Made in I...
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress
By La Perla
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
La Perla vintage silk nightgown dress Size 3 Excellent condition, a couple of micro-spots, see photo
S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford White Snakeskin Pattern Beaded Chain Small Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful white beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. This fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads and was highlighted in the March 2000 issue...
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 6
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...
White wedding ( or evening) dress CHRISTIAN DIOR by Maria-Grazia Chiuri
By Christian Dior, MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White wedding ( or evening) dress. No fabric composition tag but probably rayon. Invisible zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. Button and buttonhole closure on the cuffs and...
Yves Saint Laurent Attributed Printed Silk Chiffon & Feathers Scarf Stole
Located in Geneva, CH
Most probably by Yves Saint Laurent (similar designs are to be found in different YSL collections, like the iconic SS1977 "Les Espagnoles et les Romantiques" / see picture 2), this r...
$1,966
Size: Recommended U.K. 6
Spring 1999 John Galliano tailored pinstriped short sleeve fitted Blazer Jacket
By John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
Decadent John Galliano tailored fitted blazer featuring a fitted waistline, single button closure and padded structured shoulders. The silhouette is almost corset like. Superb. Size...
1970s Vintage Red Polka Dot Halter Maxi Dress by Isabell Gerhart
By Isabell Gerhart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
○ 1970s red polka dot maxi dress ○ halter style dress ○ smocked bodice ○ free flowing skirt ○ back zip closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ○ era: 1970s ...
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.
Vintage and designer evening bags and minaudières are elegant accessories that can elevate an ensemble and add an air of sophistication.
Evening bags began as coin purses and pouches. They were practical accessories before travel necessitated large cases and handbags eventually emerged and became a fashion statement. Evening bags grew in popularity with both men and women and, by the early 14th century, included details like embroidery and fine materials such as silk. As women began carrying hand fans, calling cards and perfumes, the evening bag became roomier while keeping its compact charm. Some designers added a thin shoulder strap. Today, the simplicity of a clutch or luxury evening bag remains as stylish as ever.
Minaudières are ornamental cases designed to hold personal items such as jewelry or cosmetics. A version of a vanity case, the minaudière was pioneered in 1933 by Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels. Made from metal, it could be engraved, decorated with precious stones or lacquered. The decade saw the popularity of these jewel-like pieces and other evening bags with Hollywood celebrities and others.
Though some of the world’s best-known luxury brands followed suit, minaudières are now made by only a small number of fashion houses such as Judith Leiber, Chanel, Versace and Hermès.
Shop an array of luxury designer evening bags and vintage minaudières in a range of designs, colors and styles to complement any outfit on 1stDibs.