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.
Judith Leiber Iridescent Swarovski Crystal Gold Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
SPECTACULAR Judith Leiber Iridescent Swarovski Crystal Gold Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Aurora Borealis or Iridescent Swarovski crystal exterior trimmed wit...
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 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 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 Black Lizard Silver Antique Crystal Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Silver Antique Crystal Top Clutch in good vintage condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with antique silver hardware and crystals along top edge...
$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...
Judith Leiber Gold Swarovski Crystal Mini Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Gold Swarovski Crystal Mini Minaudiere in excellent condition. Gold swarovski crystals surrounding each exterior side trimmed with gold hardware and edges. Top push but...
Judith Leiber Clear Swarovski Crystal Flower Top Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
TIMELESS Judith Leiber Clear Swarovski Crystal Flower Top Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Clear Swarovski crystal exter...
Silver & Gold-Tone Judith Leiber Crystal-Embellished Mini Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Silver and gold-tone crystal-embellished hard shell mini clutch by Judith Leiber. Metallic gold leather interior. Optional chain-link crossbody strap. Front closure. 1.5" width...
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...
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Suede and Swarovski Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Suede and Swarovski Minaudiere in excellent condition. Unique double compartment design. Top compartment has a beige and gold sue...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Wallet Wristlet Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
FABULOUS Judith Leiber Black Lizard Wallet Wristlet Clutch in excellent condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and a remov...
Judith Leiber Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".
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 Green Lizard Skin Wallet with Gold Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber green lizard skin wallet with gold metal clasp. This wallet is in 'LIKE NEW' condition. There are no significant flaws or wear areas to consider with this lovely wallet...
Judith Leiber Black Embossed Suede Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Embossed Alligator Clutch in excellent condition. Black embossed suede exterior in an alligator print trimmed with gold hardware. Top button closure opens to a bl...
Judith Leiber Vintage Crystal Adorned Satin Clutch Bag With Gold Comb
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
Judith Leiber Vintage Crystal Adorned Satin Clutch Bag With Gold Comb Black clutch bag crafted in textured satin with black crystal trim adornment. Detailed with crystal encrusted ...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Judith Leiber Black Lizard & Gold-Tone Snap Clutch from the circa 1980s is a stunning example of vintage luxury craftsmanship. Crafted from black lizard leather, this clutch exud...
1970s Judith Leiber 3"Wide Snake Skin Corset Belt w Gold & Chrome Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Judith Leiber 3" Wide Snake Skin Corset Belt w Gold & Chrome Hardware: Pull latch interlocking clasp closure in gleaming gold and chrome. 2-tone snake skin design. Leather back...
1990s Judith Leiber Lizard Crossbody Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Arnhem, NL
An evening shoulder bag/clutch made of lizard skin with gemstones set in gold toned hardware. The shoulder strap is 100 cm long and it can be placed inside the bag to use it as a clu...
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 Red Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch in good condition. red lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware. Lift latch closure opens to a red nylon interior wi...
Judith Leiber Vintage Tan Lizard Antique Silver Deco Rhinestone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Tan Lizard Antique Silver Deco Rhinestone Clutch in good condition. Natural tan lizard leather exterior trimmed with antique silver hardware inlaid tiny dark gr...
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 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...
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...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Dragonfly Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Dragonfly Clutch in excellent condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with a gold dragonfly embellished in crystals and gemstones. Back side slit pocket. ...
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 centered black resin emblem with 2 purple amethyst gemstones. Top lift latch closure opens to a black leather lined interior with one zip and one slit side pockets. Overall this piece is in very good vintage condition originally made c1980s. Clean corners and edges. Gentle signs of use inside with light scuffs throughout leather lining. Some fading on areas of gold hardware specifically on the top exterior closure hinge and engraved interior name plate. Please see photos for details. Attached leather shoulder strap easily converts between clutch and shoulder styles. Judith leiber is coveted by celebs and fashionistas worldwide for her exotic skin bags...
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 Top Flap Crystal Shoulder Bag Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Top Flap Crystal Shoulder Bag Minaudiere in excellent condition. Clear swarovski crystals with gold hardware. Unique top flap design. ...
Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware and pearl top push b...
Judith Leiber Detailed Top-Stitched Off-White Calfskin "Duckie" Hardware Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A rare, early Judith Leiber for Saks Fifth Avenue off-white calfskin round shoulder bag is highlighted with detailed stop-stitching throughout the bag, and accented with a gilded gol...
Judith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator Clutch in good condition. Natural light tan hornback alligator exterior trimmed with silver and gold ha...
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...
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 Red Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch in excellent condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware. Double latch top closure opens to a red nylon ...
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 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 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 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 Black Silk Clutch with Crystals
By Judith Leiber
Located in Alford, MA
Sleek rectangular black fabric clutch by Judith Leiber, the border ornamented with brushed silver metal and crystals. Magnetic clasp. Interior features attached mirror and side compa...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Pleated Silk Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL vintage Judith Leiber black silk clutch in excellent vintage condition. Black pleated silk satin exterior trimmed with silver hardware. top lifting closure opens to a black...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Art Deco Crystal Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Art Deco Crystal Top Clutch in good condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with silver hardware and gray crystals in un...
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. Black alligator embossed exterior trimmed with sparkling rhinestone corded handle straps. Fron...
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 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...
1980s Judith Leiber Black and Gold Evening Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning art deco inspired Judith Leiber frame clutch from the 1980s. Diagonally ribbed black courderoy style leather body with black reptile effect sides, base and trim. Contrasting...
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 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 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...
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...
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 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 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 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 Black Lizard Black Crystal Multi Color Gemstone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Crystal Multi Color Gemstone Clutch in good condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black crystal...
Judith Leiber Gold Snake Chain Jade & Carnelian Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber accessories are often renowned for their glitzy and kitsch aesthetic. However, her designs run the gamut from novel pieces to time-tested classic simplicity which has e...
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...
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 Red Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch in very good condition. red lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and unique floral filigree gemstone em...