Judith Lieber Black Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Minaudière Evening Bag A sophisticated rectangular minaudière by Judith Leiber, rendered in sleek black with silver-toned hardware. The bag features a refined sl...
Fine Judith Lieber Pearl and Crystal Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Pearl and Crystal Clutch A dazzling rectangular evening clutch by Judith Leiber, meticulously crafted with overlapping lappets of multi-colored faux pearls and crysta...
Vintage Judith Lieber Acrylic Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a vintage lucite acrylic purple evening bag with silver frame and handle from 1972. Very rare collector item that can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York Ci...
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Judith Lieber Gold Coated Suede Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Henrico, VA
Judith Lieber gold coated suede shoulder bag. Adjustable cord strap with two tassels, gold framed and clasp with carnelian semiprecious stones.
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.
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. Halfmoon Jade and Tigers Eye cabochons , bezel set in the clasp. Smooth leather strap t...
Judith Lieber Tomato Heirloom Minaudiere Limited Edition Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
Utterly exquisite Collector's Edition Judith Leiber Couture Heirloom evening bag. Crystal encrusted minaudiere in the shape of a tomato with a small bee. Hand placed crystals in red,...
Judith Lieber Flower Bouquet Basket Crystal Minaudiere Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
Judith Leiber Flower Bouquet Basket Minaudiere featured in multicolored fine crystal. Beautifully designed as a flower bouquet, the bag has hand placed crystals in pink, blue, green ...
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...
Judith Lieber Birdcage Crystal Minaudiere Rare Collectors Edition Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
Utterly exquisite rare Judith Leiber Birdcage Minaudiere featured in multicolored handset fine crystals. Beautifully designed as an elaborate bird cage and beautifully adorned on all...
Judith Lieber Fan Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Clutch Bag Collectors Edition
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
Judith Leiber Fan Minaudiere clutch bag featured in multicolored fine crystal. Beautifully designed as Geisha fan, the bag has hand placed Swarovki Crystals in black, gold and silver...
Judith Lieber Handbag Orange Alligator Leather Aurora Borealis Gold Chain Mini
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER purse comes in a vibrant orange alligator leather and features a gold tone clasp with pointed Aurora Borealis jewel surrounded by clear rhinestones, chain strap...
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Size: One Size Fits All
Judith Lieber Rhinestone Studded Floral Fabric and Gold Leather Bag Never Used
By Judith Leiber
Located in New Hope, PA
Judith Lieber has outlined the floral patten in this woven silk bag with coordinating beads in pink, gold and green.
90s Judith Lieber Black Silk Rhinestone Mini Bag Crossbody Clutch Mirror Comb
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s vintage JUDITH LEIBER black silk and rhinestone mini evening bag ! Silver metal handle encrusted with small rhinestones. Silver strap. Wear as a shoulder bag, crossbo...
Judith Lieber Black Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
This exceptional Judith Lieber bag is crafted from black crocodile leather, and features a detachable handle adorned with Lieber's signature crystals.
Judith Lieber Blue Evening Bag Croc
By Judith Leiber
Located in Athens, GA
Judith Lieber Croc Embossed Leather Evening Bag. Mint condition. A true art piece. Guaranteed authentic.
JUDITH LIEBER Clutch Python Printed Embossed Leather Gold tone NWT
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Very unique Judith Lieber design, beautiful hard rectangular case, magnificently trimmed in Gold tone at the top . All this glitz surrounds the twin panels of Python excellence that ...
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H 5.5 in W 5.5 in D 1.4 in Dm 10 in L 9.25 in
A latticed silk and paste evening bag, Judith Lieber, 1980s, USA
By Judith Leiber
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A very smart and elegant evening bag from Judith Leiber in the 1980s, made of 'woven/plaited' or 'latticed' bands of coffee coloured/soft bronze silk, set off against dark topaz rhin...
Judith Lieber Crystal Clutch circa 2000s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rectangular clutch by Judith Lieber c. 2000s. It is covered in crystals and features a gold interior, pocket mirror with satchel, and has an attached 40" chain to con...
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 ...
Judith Lieber Black Leather Trifold Wallet with Red Trim
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber black leather Trifold wallet & change purse with red trim. Signed: Made in Spain Measurments: Close 5.5" Tall x 4" Wide Open 5.5" Tall x 7.5" Wide Condition: New c...
1980s Judith Lieber
By Judith Leiber
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gorgeous, Unique Judith Lieber purse. Gold with alligator embossed pattern and lovely silver Intricately carved accent design on front.
Judith Lieber Trifold Leather Wallet and Change Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Lieber black leather trifold wallet & change purse with decrotive gold tone ribbon front.
1980s Judith Lieber Snakeskin Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
1980s Judith Lieber Snakeskin Handbag Wonderful snakeskin skin handbag designed by Judith Lieber circa 1980, with fabulous gem encrusted detail. Lined with suede. L 10 H 6.5 ...
Navy Lizard Judith Lieber Precious Stone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Litchfield County, CT
Excellent vintage circa 1980s Judith Leiber textured navy leather or lizard skin bag. The details on the clasp are in the art deco style and similar to one shown in the recent mad mu...
Beautiful Judith Lieber Crystal Floral Minaudieure
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Beautiful Judith Leiber Minaudieure. Small, but very elegant with long chain that can be tucked in for the perfect hand held clutch. Slight wear to leather inside. All proceeds fr...
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H 4.53 in D 2.37 in L 7.49 in
Vintage Judith Leiber minaudiere evening purse in cut crystal lucite
By Judith Leiber
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Beautiful Jewelled Lucite Minaudiere or evening purse by Judith Lieber. Exquisite quality. Rhinestone jewelled floral gilt clasp and heavy gilt, snake chain shoulder strap.
$8,830
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood brown tartan wool and velvet mini skirt suit, fw 1997
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood brown tartan wool and velvet suit comprising: blazer jacket with leg of mutton sleeve, gold orb button fastenings at the back and velvet bodice, and matching mini s...
Gucci Vintage Monogram Customized Ladybug Reporter Messenger Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gucci Vintage Monogram Customized Hand Painted Ladybug Reporter Messenger Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Gucci monogram canvas exterior trimmed with light brown leather, gold h...
Vicky Tiel 1980s Silk Strapless High Low Bustier Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great pink silk high low dress from Vicky Tiel. It has a drop waist horizontally ruched boned bustier bodice onto which is gathered a full skirt knee length in the front, ankle len...
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 2
1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s Diane Von Furstenberg green and white cotton strapless top! 3-D leaf print, with a trapeze/free flowing waist. Buttons at top back. Can easily be dressed day to night. ...
1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train
By Michael Casey
Located in Gresham, OR
A lovely 1990s Michael Casey silk ombre botanical-patterned silk chiffon strapless gown with ruching and gathering at bodice. Asymmetrical delicate bronze toned bamboo leaf beaded g...
$5,162
Size: FR 34 - IT 38 - UK 6 - US 2
Alexander McQueen metallic tweed high collar skirt suit, fw 2004
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen metallic tweed skirt suit. Structured jacket with high turn-over collar, front zip fastening, silk lining and Chanel style chain on the hem. Sold with matching knee...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XS / Small
XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutley breathtaking 1950s demi couture white strapless tulle gown, or wedding dress ! Features yards and yards of white tulle layered throughout the skirt. The tulle on the bust ...
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian Knit Brown Cardigan c 21st c
By Louis Vuitton
Located in University City, MO
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian knit brown cardigan sweater Size M The chic Italian knit cardigan is designed with a muted light brown shade; accented with subtle gold metallic knit band...
Emanuel Ungaro 1980s Wrap Silk Dress
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous blue and off white elaborate abstract pattern silk damask wrap dress from Emanuel Ungaro Parallele. It has a V neckline with a wrap semi fitted hip length bodice tying at...
Vintage Jill Richards 1980s For Saks Fifth Avenue Red Avant Garde Silk Dress
By Jill Richards, Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 80s JILL RICHARDS, for SAKs Fifth Avenue, red silk + taffeta dress!!! Avant Garde feel, with tiered skirt, and bow in the back. Tulle layers over the silk bodice. Pouf skirt,...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN white RIBBED & OPEN KNIT PEPLUM Dress S
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen ribbed and open knit peplum dress in cream polyamide (43%), cotton (37%), viscose (11%), nylon (5%) and polyester (4%). Has short sleeves and a solid knit skirt. Ha...
New Roberto Cavalli Buckle Stiletto Heel Black Leather Platform Boots 37 - US 7
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Roberto Cavalli Black Leather High Heel Boots Designer size - 37 Style - BQS023-PZ220 Smooth Black Leather, Multiple Straps, Gold-Tone Buckles with Engraved Logo, Inner Half Zip...
$1,550
Size: 36 ( 2 / 4 )
1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress
By Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian Lacroix
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s CHRISTIAN LACROIX Avant Garde black rayon skater dress! Features a tailored boned bodice with curved edges at each armpit. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye ...
$2,445
Size: IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Vivienne Westwood pink and red checked cotton skirt suit, ss 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood pink and red checked cotton skirt suit comprising: button up shirt with embroidered orb, and high waisted mini skirt. Spring-Summer 1994
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 Collection Pink Jersey Dress size S
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Jersey Dress F/W 2004 Collection Designer size - S Pink color with shade of coral under the sun, Stretch jersey, Bow Accent at Neckline, F...
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.
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.