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 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 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 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 Lizard Enamel Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Enamel Top Clutch in good vintage condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with swarovski crystals, gold hardware and black and yellow enamel top edge. Top lift...
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 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 Snakeskin and Rose Quartz Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber Snakeskin and Rose Quartz Bag with pastes. Judith Leiber often went to vintage markets to buy antique frames and remount them. This one dates from the 1930's and is set with pastes and rose quartz navette...
Vintage Judith Leiber Beige Pleated Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Clutch c1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Beige Pleated Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Clutch c1980s in good condition. Beige pleated silk exterior trimmed with gold hardware and swarovski crystal elements ...
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 and White Lizard Bow Front Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black and White Lizard Bow Front Clutch in good condition. Black lizard main body with white lizard front bow detail and top edge. Center top lift closure opens to a bl...
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...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Vintage Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Brown Leather Shoulder Bag in good condition. measurements: 9"x7"x5" 9.25" strap drop
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...
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...
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 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 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 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 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 ...
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 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...
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 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 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 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 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. ...
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...
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 Faux Diamond Mounted Patton Leather Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Faux Diamond Mounted Patton Leather Evening Bag Signed. Shaped rectangular black patton leather body with a faux diamond fitted frame and short silver-toned chain, the...
Judith Leiber Silver Minaudière Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Silver Minaudière Evening Bag Of elegant oval form, this minaudière is rendered in a luminous silver finish with silver-toned hardware and frame, crowned by a faux ony...
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 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 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 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 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 Black and Silver Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black and Silver Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Silver box body style with black swarovski crystal squiggly line design throug...
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 Belt Encrusted Double Frog Expandable 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Black Snake Skin Vintage Judith Leiber Belt. Cabochons set Onyx, Amethyst, and Jade stones with surrounding crystals. decorative frogs hinge togethe...
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 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 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 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...
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...
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...
$374Sale Price|20% Off
JUDITH LEIBER Ruched Black Snake Skin Evening Clutch Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
JUDITH LEIBER evening clutch comes in black pleated snake skin leather with a gold tone kiss lock closure and chain strap. Excellent Pre-...
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 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 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 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 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 Silver Bullfrog Miniaudiere, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
No need to kiss anymore frogs- your price charming has arrived (in bag form, that is!) Add some novelty to your evening looks with our amazing 1980s Judith Leiber silver...