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 Judith Leiber Reptile Leather Jade Buddha Clasp Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in the tumultuous time of the World War decades, Hungarian born Judith Leiber achieved astonishing accomplishments for her work in handbag and leather good design. Being the fir...
Judith Leiber Crossbody Gold Tone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your accessory game with the sheer elegance of the Judith Leiber Crossbody Gold Tone Clutch - a timeless masterpiece of luxury and style. This adorable rectangle clutch is mo...
Judith Leiber Black Crystal-Embellished Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Krakow, PL
Judith Leiber – Black Crystal-Embellished Bag Condition: Very good Condition Details: Minor signs of use including dents, stains on the lining and chain, wear on hardware; some deco...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Green Enamel Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Green Enamel Top Clutch in very good condition. Black lizard leather trimmed with silver hardware and green enamel detail along top edge. Lift latc...
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator Handbag in excellent condition. Shiny black alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and two top handl...
Judith Leiber Pink Swarovski Crystal Minaudière Clutch Evening Bag Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Studio City, CA
A Judith Leiber pink minaudière evening purse entirely covered with pink Swarovski crystals. Features gold tone metal trim, a hinge-top opener/clasp and gold leather lined interior. ...
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
Like Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable accordion files with multiple pockets and kiss locks to keep contents secure, it eliminates the need for a wallet. Moreover, the heavyweight gold chain handle looks like a piece of fine jewelry and is long enough to be worn on the shoulder. Chocolate brown shoulder bag...
Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Snakeskin Embossed Clutch, a luxurious and timeless accessory that exudes sophistication and glamour. Crafted from high-quality br...
JUDITH LEIBER Crystal Terrier Minaudiere Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, England
JUDITH LEIBER Crystal Terrier Minaudiere Clutch in Multicolor. This petite clutch is entirely covered in crystals with a hard silver shell, in the shape of an adorable dog. This clu...
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...
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch With Strap from the 1980s exemplifies the brand’s legendary craftsmanship and opulent design. Crafted from vibrant red lizard leather, t...
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...
Judith Leiber Bronze Snakeskin Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Bronze Snakeskin Clutch in very good condition. Bronze pleated snakeskin exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones along top edges. Top kiss...
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...
Vintage Judith Leiber Tan Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Tan Lizard Clutch in excellent condition. Tan lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware. Round tiger's eye and garnet glas...
JUDITH LEIBER Vintage Black Gold Tone Snakeskin Leather Kiss Lock Evening Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage JUDITH LEIBER handbag in a black snakeskin leather featuring gold tone metal hardware, crossbody strap, and kiss lock clasp closure.Very Good Vintage Condition. Minor signs o...
Judith Leiber 80’s Black Satin Frame Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into sophistication with this black satin clutch, a quintessential accessory for your most memorable occasions. Crafted to perfection, this clutch exudes timeless elegance in a ...
Judith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag with Stone Buckle Front.
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag Clutch with Stone Buckle Front. A beautiful piece by the talented Judith Leiber, this karung snake clutch/handbag ...
Judith Leiber black Silk Crystal Fold over Handle Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber black Silk Crystal Fold over Handle Clutch in excellent condition. black silk trimmed with gold hardware and black swarovski cry...
Judith Leiber "Shades of Violet" Lucid with Micro Rhinestone "Leafs Sunglasses
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber wonderfully detailed huge sunglasses with "Shades of Violet" lucid accented with detailed micro rhinestone "Leafs" on the arms. The front...
Judith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Saks Tan Lizard Clutch in very good condition. Tan pleated lizard leather exterior trimmed with engraved gold hardware along top edge...
Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch, a luxurious and timeless accessory that exudes sophistication and elegance....
Judith Leiber Vintage Tan Silk Wood Bead Sequin Two Tier Minaudiere Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Tan Silk Wood Bead Sequin Two Tier Minaudiere Bag in good condition. Tan silk exterior with very unique double compartment design. Top compartment features embr...
Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag in excellent condition. Red alligator leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a top ...
Vintage Judith Leiber Stick Figure Floral Print Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Floral Print Minaudiere in very good condition. Clear swarovski crystals with red, pink, purple and orange stick figure flowers alon...
Vintage Judith Leiber Red Lizard Gemstone Front Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Red Lizard Gemstone Front Clutch in very good condition. Beautiful cherry red lizard leather exterior in unique envelope style design trimmed with gold hardware...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Round Gold Gemstone Top Handle Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Round Gold Gemstone Top Handle Bag in fair condition. Black lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware. Double top engraved gold handles with inlaid multi c...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal and Leather Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal and Leather Top Clutch in good condition. black lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and clear crystals along top edge. side pull closure open...
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Gemstone Top Clutch in fair condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and tiny multicolor gemstones. Side pull latch...
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...
Judith Leiber Hand Bag White Karung Convertible Clutch With Semi Precious Jewels
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Judith Leiber clutch! Totally surrounded by semi-precious stones. Converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag. Gently, gently used. Mirror in bag. Measures 7.25 in x 5 in. x 2...
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...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Enamel Gold Top
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Enamel Gold Top in excellent condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a unique black ename...
Judith Leiber Black Crystal Large Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Crystal Large Minaudiere in very good condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware in a unique large trapezoid shape. Top button closure...
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Gold Python Snakeskin 007 James Bond Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Golden Python Snakeskin 007 James Bond Bag in very good condition. golden metallic python with peachy pink shades. Gold hardware throughou...
Judith Leiber Gold & Clear Swarovski Crystal Casket Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL JUDITH LEIBER Swarovski crystal casket minaudiere in excellent vintage condition. Gold exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals in the signature "casket" style. Push...
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Bunny Rabbit Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Bunny Rabbit Minaudiere in excellent condition. Unique and rare rabbit shape with silver cyrstal body, smooth gold face, and gold crystal ears on top....
JUDITH LEIBER Gold & Silver Tone Rosette Clutch Optional Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber purse features a lovely floral pattern in white and gold rhinestone. There is a gold interior. In good vintage condition, there are some missing rhinestones and sl...
Judith Leiber Gold Filigree Swarovski Crystal Box Minaudiere evening bag clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning Judith Leiber Vintage gold box minaudiere in very good vintage condition. Gold structured box exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals...
Judith Leiber Floral Châtelaine Minaudière Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship: the Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Embellished Clutch. This micro mini clutch is more than just an accessory; it's a true work o...
Judith Leiber 1990s Multicolor Crystal Embellished Foodog Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Judith Leiber 1990s Multicolor Crystal Embellished Foodog Clutch, a one-of-a-kind statement piece that transcends fashion and enters the ...
Judith Leber Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Embellished Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your accessory game with the mesmerizing Judith Leiber Rainbow Swarovski Crystal Clutch. This iconic piece is a dazzling work of art t...
Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag in fair condition. Pale pink lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold chain shoulder strap handle with crystal beads throughout. ...
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized Clutch in excellent condition. Bright red alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and top dark red resin roman cameo...
Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
"And though she be but little, she is fierce," said Shakespeare. With a whopping seven interior compartments AND a matching coin purse in an 8" package, this handbag might have been ...
Judith Leiber Dark Purple Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber dark purple lizard clutch in very good condition. Dark purple lizard leather exterior with pleats on both front and back sides. Silver hardware top edge with unique min...
$600Sale Price|25% Off
Judith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHW
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHW Circa 90's This beautiful structured handbag in a beautiful deep red lizard color, is in excellent condition. It has an art dec...
Vintage Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Clutch c1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Clutch c1980s in very good condition. Purple lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and a lapis and quartz gemstones. Top lift latch closure op...
Judith Leiber Beige Python with Tiger's Eye and Garnet Stones Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber's wonderfully detailed beige python evening clutch has the optional use of a evening shoulder bag with their removable straps of python and gold hardware. Th...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Black alligator trimmed with gold hardware and double snake chain sho...
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Tassel Charm Strap Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Tassel Charm Strap Clutch Shoulder Bag in fair vintage condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with matching red tassel detail and gold hardware. Interchangeab...
Judith Leiber Black Embroidered Leather Tassel Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Embroidered Leather Tassel Clutch in very good condition. Black lambskin exterior with unique embroidery, black tassel side detail an...
Judith Leiber Black Patent Leather Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Patent Leather Clutch in good vintage condition. Black patent leather in unique diagonal pleated design along front side trimmed with gold hardware. Black enamel ...
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top Clutch in good condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware, tiger's eye, and red and green gemstones along top edge. ...
Judith Leiber Limited Edition Woven Snakeskin Clutch Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
While Judith Leiber is often highlighted for her over-the-top, jewel encrusted, novelty bags, her earlier work represents a different creative sensibility. Through careful selection ...
Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator trimmed with silver hardware and top crystal button closure. pink sat...
Judith Leiber Textured Coco-Brown Silk Evening Bag with Gold hradware
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber wonderfully whimsical yet elegant textured coco-brown silk evening shoulder bag is accented with vermeil-finished gold hardware. The fully lined interior is pai...
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. Black pleated lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and unique lion head embossed center detail. Lift...
Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Lapis Stone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Clutch in very good condition. navy lizard trimmed with gold hardware and lapis gemstones along top edge. Kiss lock top closure opens to a navy nylon interi...
1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980's opulent Judith Leiber snake leather and gold belt with semi precious stones. Known for her amazing purses, Judith Leiber’s creativity continued with accessories such as this b...