Skip to main content

Judith Leiber Lion

Judith Leiber Lion Buckle Black Embossed Leather Belt
Judith Leiber Lion Buckle Black Embossed Leather Belt

Judith Leiber Lion Buckle Black Embossed Leather Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Ornate lion buckle black embossed leather belt c 1980 The elegant belt is adorned with a large stylized lion head buckle The lion's face is designed with smooth silve...

Category

1980s American Belts

1970s Galanos for Amelia Gray Satin Smock
1970s Galanos for Amelia Gray Satin Smock

1970s Galanos for Amelia Gray Satin Smock

By James Galanos, Galanos for Amelia Gray

Located in Gresham, OR

1970s Galanos for Amelia Gray silk satin smock with flap pockets (no closure) and shown above with a Judith Leiber Lion belt.

Category

1970s American Smocks

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch in very good condition.

Category

1980s Clutches

Recent Sales

Judith Leiber Chinese Lions Belt
Judith Leiber Chinese Lions Belt

Judith Leiber Chinese Lions Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

Incredible black python Judith Leiber Chinese Lions belt. Belt is fully adjustable.

Category

1980s Belts

Vintage JUDITH LEIBER 1960's Lion medallion ivory snakeskin belt
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER 1960's Lion medallion ivory snakeskin belt

Vintage JUDITH LEIBER 1960's Lion medallion ivory snakeskin belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Newport Beach, CA

Vintage JUDITH LEIBER for Saks Fifth Avenue, 1960's Lion medallion ivory snakeskin belt.

Category

1960s American Belts

Judith Leiber Lion Clasp Embossed White Leather Handbag c 1980s
Judith Leiber Lion Clasp Embossed White Leather Handbag c 1980s

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 a gilt metal lion's head emblem that serves as the clasp emblem.

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières

1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt
1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt

1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Amazing 1980s Lion's head belt from iconic designer Judith Leiber!

Category

1980s American Belts

1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt
1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt

1980s Judith Leiber Lion Adjustable Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Amazing 1980s Lion's head belt from iconic designer Judith Leiber!

Category

1980s American Belts

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 Gold Metal Lion Head Buckle Expansion  Belt
Judith Leiber Gold Metal Lion Head Buckle Expansion  Belt

Judith Leiber Gold Metal Lion Head Buckle Expansion Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Judith Leiber gold metal, lion head buckle, expansion belt.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Belts

JUDITH LEIBER Adjustable Lizard Skin Belt With Lion Motif, 1980's
JUDITH LEIBER Adjustable Lizard Skin Belt With Lion Motif, 1980's

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 cabochon stones.

Category

1980s American Belts

JUDITH LEIBER Gold Lion Medallion Stretch Mesh Belt
JUDITH LEIBER Gold Lion Medallion Stretch Mesh Belt

JUDITH LEIBER Gold Lion Medallion Stretch Mesh Belt

By Judith Leiber

Located in Atlanta, GA

Judith Leiber's stylish spin on a classic Roman gladiator belt with a lion head motif and a heavy gilded look.

Category

Late 20th Century American Belts

Judith Leiber Lion Clutch
Judith Leiber Lion Clutch

Judith Leiber Lion Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Vintage Judith Leiber Lion Minaudière Gold Clutch

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Judith Leiber Swavorski Crystal Lion Clutch
Judith Leiber Swavorski Crystal Lion Clutch

Judith Leiber Swavorski Crystal Lion Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Offered for sale is this darling Lion clutch by Judith Leiber encrusted with Swavorski crystal and semi precious stones.

Category

20th Century American Clutches

1980's Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Lions Head Clasp
1980's Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Lions Head Clasp

1980's Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Lions Head Clasp

By Judith Leiber

Located in New York, NY

Judith Leiber evening bag with a figural clasp of a lions head mounted on a plaque surrounded by rhinestones.

Category

1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

You May Also Like

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Multi Color Gemstone Top Clutch
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Multi Color Gemstone Top Clutch

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Multi Color Gemstone Top Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Judith Leiber Black Lizard Multi Color Gemstone Top Clutch in good condition. black lizard leather trimmed with gold and silver hardware with multi color gemstones along top edge. Li...

Category

1980s Clutches

1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo
1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo

1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo

By Judith Leiber

Located in Gresham, OR

1980s Judith Leiber oval black lizard skin convertible clutch handbag with obsidian cameo clasp. Optional chain handle disappears into bag for clutch. Size Large.

Category

1980s American Clutches

1980s Galanos Silk Dress in a Hounds Tooth Plaid W/ Matching Wool Jacket & Scarf
1980s Galanos Silk Dress in a Hounds Tooth Plaid W/ Matching Wool Jacket & Scarf

1980s Galanos Silk Dress in a Hounds Tooth Plaid W/ Matching Wool Jacket & Scarf

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in Gresham, OR

A lovely 1980s Galanos wool houndstooth jacket and Galanos silk mini dress in a novelty hound's tooth window pane plaid pattern (black, tan and oxblood palette). Includes matching si...

Category

1980s American Mini Dresses

1980s Gianni Versace Oversized Buckle Black Croc Embossed Leather Belt
1980s Gianni Versace Oversized Buckle Black Croc Embossed Leather Belt

1980s Gianni Versace Oversized Buckle Black Croc Embossed Leather Belt

By Gianni Versace

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous black leather crocodile embossed Gianni Versace belt designed by Gianni Versace. From the late 1980s, this wide belt is complete with a large angular silver-ton...

Category

1980s Italian Belts

1968 SAINT LAURENT rive gauche dark khaki 'saharienne' safari tunic
1968 SAINT LAURENT rive gauche dark khaki 'saharienne' safari tunic

1968 SAINT LAURENT rive gauche dark khaki 'saharienne' safari tunic

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Extremely rare, safari tunic from Saint Laurent dating to 1968. Made in a dark khaki green polished cotton with slight iridescence. It has a sharp, oversized collar and a deep lace-u...

Category

1960s French Tunics

Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s

Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s in very good condition. Shiny black alligator leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a unique cen...

Category

1980s Italian Clutches

Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag

Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag

By Judith Leiber

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag The pouch-form bag with a reeded gold toned border, with red and black enamel set clasp, with a gold toned metal chain, the parcel snakeskin an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Yves Saint Laurent F/W 87 Runway Black Croc Embossed Leather Vintage 80s Belt
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 87 Runway Black Croc Embossed Leather Vintage 80s Belt

Yves Saint Laurent F/W 87 Runway Black Croc Embossed Leather Vintage 80s Belt

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL F/W 1987 runway belt ! Features black alligator embossed leather with silver gunmetal buckle. Dress this museum piece up or down. Pair with jeans and a...

Category

1980s French Belts

Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch

Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch

By Judith Leiber

Located in Philadelphia, PA

STUNNING Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black alligator leather exterior trimmed with a front black and gold sliding latch closure ...

Category

1980s Structured Shoulder Bags

1970s Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Linen Safari Button Up Blouse/ Top/ Shirt
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Linen Safari Button Up Blouse/ Top/ Shirt

1970s Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Linen Safari Button Up Blouse/ Top/ Shirt

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Sparks, NV

Iconic vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black linen button up blouse from the safari collection! Unlined with front button closure and button closure at the wrists. Front...

Category

1970s French Blouses

Emanuel Ungaro Silk Dress 1980s
Emanuel Ungaro Silk Dress 1980s

Emanuel Ungaro Silk Dress 1980s

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Water Mill, NY

A stunning silk off white and black abstract pattern dress from Emanuel Ungaro. It has a V neckline, long full sleeve with button cuffs, shoulder pads and a wrapped bodice ruched fr...

Category

1980s French Day Dresses

1972 Fall/Winter Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lurex Wrap Top
1972 Fall/Winter Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lurex Wrap Top

1972 Fall/Winter Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lurex Wrap Top

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Worn in the 1972 Saint Laurent Fall/Winter runway show, this beautiful evening blouse is pairs perfectly with a skirt or pants. Made of a sheer shimmery lurex silver fabric with a do...

Category

1970s French Blouses and Tops

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lace-Up Safari Shirt Dress, circa 2007, FR44
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lace-Up Safari Shirt Dress, circa 2007, FR44

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lace-Up Safari Shirt Dress, circa 2007, FR44

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Berlin, BE

A rare Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black cotton safari-style shirt dress from the Stefano Pilati era, circa 2007. This sharply tailored piece reflects the house’s signature blend ...

Category

Early 2000s French Mini Dresses

S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Brown Sheer Button Up Belted Oversized Tunic Top IT38
S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Brown Sheer Button Up Belted Oversized Tunic Top IT38

S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Brown Sheer Button Up Belted Oversized Tunic Top IT38

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a sheer brown blouse designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 1997 collection. The button closure stops halfway up the front for a plunging neckline, and the matchin...

Category

1990s Italian Blouses

Cardinali Original 1972 Spring Sample Silk Jersey Vintage 1970s Grecian Blouse
Cardinali Original 1972 Spring Sample Silk Jersey Vintage 1970s Grecian Blouse

Cardinali Original 1972 Spring Sample Silk Jersey Vintage 1970s Grecian Blouse

By Marilyn Lewis, Cardinali

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing vintage 70s CARDINALI COUTURE black silk jersey blouse! From the Spring 1972 Runway Collection. This versatile gem can be worm three different ways : -off-the-shoulder -one s...

Category

1970s Italian Blouses and Tops

People Also Browsed

New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011
New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011

New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Brand New With Tags & Box A Rare Find New Spring 2011 Runway $3950 Bronze Metallic Pewter Full 100% Python Throughout the Bag Braided Double Straps Wrap Around and Connect ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches

Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress
Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress

Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Berlin, BE

Holy Grail Archival Cavalli Gown (The corset shown on some images is not included ) Thie beautiful Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 gown is an exquisite statement in feminine all...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Roberto Cavalli Runway Sequin Sun Evening Gown and Cape F/W 2004 Size 40IT
Roberto Cavalli Runway Sequin Sun Evening Gown and Cape F/W 2004 Size 40IT

Roberto Cavalli Runway Sequin Sun Evening Gown and Cape F/W 2004 Size 40IT

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

Roberto Cavalli - Sequin runway evening gown with Swarovski crystal embellished sun cape. Neckline presents a sharp daring plunge to the navel. The back of the dress is held by jewe...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

1970s James Galanos Couture Fantasy Chenille Knit Cardigan Jacket w Gold Yarn
1970s James Galanos Couture Fantasy Chenille Knit Cardigan Jacket w Gold Yarn

1970s James Galanos Couture Fantasy Chenille Knit Cardigan Jacket w Gold Yarn

By James Galanos, Galanos

Located in Gresham, OR

1970s James Galanos Couture Fantasy Chenille Knit Cardigan Jacket w Gold Metallic Yarn: Double-faced cozy cool-weather jacket in a wool/cashmere chenille knit with a lustrous gold ya...

Category

1970s American Jackets

Chanel 19 Slate Blue Infinity Top Handle Crossbody Flap Bag 68173
Chanel 19 Slate Blue Infinity Top Handle Crossbody Flap Bag 68173

Chanel 19 Slate Blue Infinity Top Handle Crossbody Flap Bag 68173

By Chanel

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Store item: 68173 We love this Chanel 19 Slate Blue Infinity Top Handle Crossbody Flap Bag for two-way convertible practicality and the elegant slate blue color. For 20 years, Bout...

Category

2010s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Galanos Chiffon Dinner Dress With Flounced Collar
Galanos Chiffon Dinner Dress With Flounced Collar

Galanos Chiffon Dinner Dress With Flounced Collar

By Galanos

Located in New York, NY

Galanos, layered chiffon dinner dress, having sheer full sleeves that cuff at the wrist and a generous flounced collar. Silhouette is slim with box pleats that start above the knee a...

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s
Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s

Chanel Haute Couture Lace Gown 1940s

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

This is a very rare vintage 1940s Chanel couture gown. Straight silhouette gown comprising a skirt and a blouse, delicate plunging backline decorated with a bow. Material: silk, lac...

Category

1640s European Aesthetic Evening Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black fine silk dress with stretch from Christian Dior. It has a scoop neck front and back with intricate lacing starting at one shoulder crossing the front and back wrap...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top
Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

By Alexander McQueen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top would be an exciting addition to any wardrobe, especially for someone who enjoys pieces that combine boldness, sophistication, and art...

Category

Late 20th Century Blouses

Early 1920s Fortuny Delphos Gown in Black Silk Glass Beads & Belt AS FOUND
Early 1920s Fortuny Delphos Gown in Black Silk Glass Beads & Belt AS FOUND

Early 1920s Fortuny Delphos Gown in Black Silk Glass Beads & Belt AS FOUND

By Mariano Fortuny, Fortuny

Located in Gresham, OR

Early 1920s Fortuny Delphos Gown in Black Silk, Murano Glass Beads & Gold Stenciled Belt. AS FOUND CONDITION with original labels. Absolutely authentic early Mariano Fortuny gown fo...

Category

Early 1900s Italian Delphos Gowns

Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top
Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top

Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in San Diego, CA

Collectible CHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO Fall 2001 runway vintage black and white novelty print playing cards and domino semi sheer mesh camisole top! Kris Jenner ( Mother of Kim ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Camisoles and Shell Tops

Tom Ford x Gucci Final Collection FW 2004 Archival Pink Silk Fringe Gown It 40
Tom Ford x Gucci Final Collection FW 2004 Archival Pink Silk Fringe Gown It 40

Tom Ford x Gucci Final Collection FW 2004 Archival Pink Silk Fringe Gown It 40

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

An exceptional archival runway gown from Tom Ford’s final collection for Gucci, Fall/Winter 2004. Celebrated as one of the designer’s most important farewell collections, this extrao...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown
Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown

Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational vintage late 90s BILL BLASS couture nude silk chiffon paisley print full length evening dress with dramatic train! This is an original sample, and is incredibly well made...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

CHANEL black 91A TIERED VELVET & CHIFFON GOWN Dress 38 S
CHANEL black 91A TIERED VELVET & CHIFFON GOWN Dress 38 S

CHANEL black 91A TIERED VELVET & CHIFFON GOWN Dress 38 S

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Chanel evening gown is crafted in black velvet and chiffon for a refined interplay of structure and lightness. It features a fitted velvet bodice accented with te...

Category

1990s Casual Dresses

UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set
UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set

UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set

By Valentino Garavani

Located in Switzerland, CH

Extremely rare and special VALENTINO evening bag Made of finest exotic lizard skin Wonderful green colors Bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, intact "Snake" opening the bag So versati...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Valentino wedding dress by Valentino Garavani circa 2000-2005
Valentino wedding dress by Valentino Garavani circa 2000-2005

Valentino wedding dress by Valentino Garavani circa 2000-2005

By Valentino

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

VALENTINO - Collection circa 2000-2005, under the artistic direction of Valentino Garavani. Wedding dress with a long train in ecru silk blend and white lace. Size indicated: 42FR....

Category

Early 2000s Italian Wedding Dresses

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Judith Leiber Lion", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Judith Leiber Lion For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary judith leiber lion you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Many people prefer Brown, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Black, Blue and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for a judith leiber lion from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Judith Leiber Lion?

The price for a judith leiber lion starts at $225 and tops out at $2,400, and on average, selling for $450.

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.