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
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
Sold|$395
Judith Leiber Suede & Lizard Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Small suede purse with karung lizard trim and handles. Zipper opens with an enamel pull tab pansy
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Lizard Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, ON
Judith Leiber vintage 1980’s black karung lizard belt with goldtone accents. Fastens at front with
Judith Leiber Small Black Lizard Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Adorable, elegant and chic small black lizard Judith Leiber bag with gold hardware and gold and
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
Sold|$1,250
Judith Leiber Silver Lizard Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Malibu, CA
Judith Leiber Silver Lizard Clutch- excellent condition other than a small pen mark on the interior
Judith Leiber Karung Lizard Swarovski Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, ON
Black karung lizard skin belt with Swarovski crystal jewelled buckle. Goldtone metal, adjustable
Judith Leiber 007 Evening Bag Lizard Small
By Judith Leiber
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Judith Leiber 007 Evening Bag Lizard Small is a signature, iconic evening bag made
Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Bag with Tassels
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, ON
Judith Leiber pink lizard bag with tassels. Magnetic clasp closure, includes gold metal comb and
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Evening Convertible Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Malibu, CA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Skin Evening Bag- PRISTINE . Elegant and timeless, it is certain to
1980's Red Lizard Judith Leiber Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant red karung (lizard) handbag by Judith Leiber from the 1980's. This bag has an antique style
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Clutch with optional strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Malibu, CA
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Skin Evening Bag- EXCELLENT PLUS condition Elegant and timeless, it
Judith Leiber Vintage Lizard Skin Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Diego, CA
The red hot Clutch Shoulder Bag by Judith Leiber is your ideal companion wherever you go. Be it a
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
Judith Leiber Mini Pale Pink Quilted Lizard Tassel Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Wonderful pale pink quilted bag from Judith Leiber. This is so adorable, with a small compartment
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Evening Bag- Jeweled Snail Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Malibu, CA
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Evening Bag- EXCELLENT PLUS The medium sized silhouette is conveniently
Judith Leiber Framed Black Lizard Bag with Large Chain Decoration
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Finely crafted from genuine black lizard with tonal topstiching, this timeless frame bag features a
Vintage Judith Leiber Tan Lizard Convertible Shoulder Bag with Jeweled Closure
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Judith Leiber jeweled closure tan lizard convertible clutch/shoulder bag is highly desired
Vintage Red Lizard Judith Leiber Convertible Clutch With Semi Precious Jewels
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Red Lizard Evening Bag is highly desired by all collectors of Judith Leiber! Features
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gathered Clutch W/ Shell Like Top Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber black lizard clutch with gold tone shell like top frame embellished with semi
Vintage Judith Leiber White Lizard Convertible Bag With Jeweled Butterfly Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage White Lizard Convertible Bag is a must for lovers of Leiber! Features luxurious, slightly
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Belt with Gold Tone Art Deco Bucle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Minaudieres", Judith Leiber crafted some of the finest belts using exquisite lizard skin and other exotic
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Belt with Swirl Buckle Encrusted W/ Clear Crystals
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber black lizard belt incorporates two separate swirl clasp swirl buckle encrusted with
Bejeweled Vintage Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Flap Bag With Gold Tone Chain
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bejeweled Vintage Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Flap Bag With Gold Tone Chain is a highly collectible
Sold|$325
Judith Leiber Black Karung Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) clutch/shoulder bag from the 1980's. One of her larger karung
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Mini Frame Bag W/ Oval Cabochon Stones Top of Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber black lizard mini tote bag features multi oval cabochon stones with gold tone
1980s Judith Leiber Mocha Karung Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Judith Leiber clutch in Karung (lizard). It is hard for me to describe the color, you can
Black Karung and Onyx Judith Leiber Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1980's Judith Leiber black karung lizard purse with black onyx stones on the frame and clasp
Tan Jeweled Frame Judith Leiber Karung Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber tan karung (lizard) clutch/ shoulder bag with tiger eye clasp. The front and back of
1980s Judith Leiber Black Karung Handbag with Starfish
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber handbag from the 1980s with a starfish clasp with semi-precious
Judith Leiber Black Karung 1980's Day Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber day bag from the 1980's. The pleated opening closes with a
Judith Leiber Black Karung Purse with Rhinestone Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung lizard Judith Leiber purse with rhinestone black and white clasp circa 1980's. Purse
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
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
Judith Lieber Lizard "Briefcase" Handbag Great Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a small briefcase shaped ladies handbag with gold tone metal corners and ruby colored glass stone accents. It has one interior side strap to hold a wallet or phone along the ...
Black Karung Judith Leiber with Semi-Precious Stone Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber purse from the 1980's with semi-precious stone frame. The
Judith Leiber Black Karung Purse with Pearl/RHinestone Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) purse from the 1980's. The purse has a decorative clasp with a
Judith Leiber Black Karung Clutch with Semi-Precious Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) handbag from the 1980's. The frame is decorated with gold
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
1980's Judith Leiber Black Karung Bag with Jeweled Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber clutch/shoulder bag with jeweled frame. the stones in the frame
1980's Judith Leiber Black Karung Bag with Deco Style Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) hand bag with highly decorative frame in the Art Deco style
1980's Judith Leiber Cocoa Brown Karung Bag with Jeweled Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Judith Leiber karung (lizard) purse that can be used as a clutch or a shoulder bag from
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
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. The rhinestones are on
1980's Leiber Gold Karung Bag with Jeweled Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
1980's gold karung (lizard) Judith Leiber clutch with jeweled Frame. The stones are rose quartz
Leiber Navy Blue Karung Handbag with Semi Precious Stone Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber navy blue karung (lizard) clutch/shoulder bag with semi precious stone frame. The
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Convertible Clutch With Swarovski Crystals
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Judith Leiber Framed Evening Convertible Clutch is a must for any collector! Exquisite pink
Judith Leiber Celery Green Karung Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Celery green karung (lizard) Judith Leiber purse with bow clasp. Lining is a pale green fabric
Red Karung Judith Leiber Bag with Onyx & Carnelian
Located in New York, NY
Red lizard Judith Leiber clutch/shoulder bag from the 1980's with a black onyx and red carnelian in
Judith Leiber Purple Karung Purse with Amethyst Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber purple karung (lizard) purse with amethyst and lapis clasp from the 1980's. There are
Judith Leiber Black Karung Bag with Modernist Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Black karung (lizard) Judith Leiber bag that can be used as a clutch or a shoulder bag. The
Judith Leiber Black Kaurng, Onyx & Garnet Bracelet Bag
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) bracelet bag. The handle when worn over the arm looks like you
Navy Blue Karung Judith Leiber Clutch with Lapis Clasp
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber karung (lizard) clutch from the 1980's. There is a gold chain that folds into the bag
Black Karung Evening Purse with Jeweled Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
1980's Judith Leiber black karung (lizard)evening shoulder bag. The shoulder strap is jeweled with
Leiber Black KArung Bag with Semi-Precious Stones
Located in New York, NY
Fanciful Judith Leiber black karung (lizard) purse with semi-precious stones on the frame. There is
1980's Judth Leiber Deco Style Apricot Karung Bag
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber apricot karung (lizard) bag with frame of squares alternating gold and silver. Bag
Sold|$495
Pink Karung Jeiber Hand Bag
Located in New York, NY
Pink Judith Leiber karung (lizard) hand bag which can be used as a clutch or a shoulder bag. The
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.