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.
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Embossed Leather Clutch Shoulder Bag C. 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite vintage mini clutch and shoulder bag by the renowned American luxury house Judith Leiber, created circa 1980s. Crafted from supple pink lizard-embossed leather, this hi...
Vintage Judith Leiber Abstract Floral Print Minaudiere with Swarovski Crystals
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 Vintage Burgundy Snakeskin Gold Accent Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite Judith Leiber handbag showcases luxurious burgundy snakeskin with a structured, pleated design. Its gold-tone metal frame features an elegant twisted rope detail, comp...
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 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 Butterfly Crystal Clutch Bag with Leather Interior
By Judith Leiber
Located in Krakow, PL
Judith Leiber Butterfly Crystal Clutch Bag Sz. One Size Very Good Condition Description: Stunning Judith Leiber butterfly-shaped clutch adorned with crystals and gold-tone hardware. ...
Judith Leiber Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Minaudiere Evening Bag The rounded rectangular bag with a stylized design of geometric devices and tendrils on a black ground, with a gilt-toned chain, and gilt fabric...
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 Black Lizard Crystal Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal Top Clutch in very good condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with silver hardware and black and clear crystal top accents. Lift latch c...
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 1980s Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag in very good vintage condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and gold chain shoulder st...
Vintage Judith Leiber Midnight Blue Alligator & Lapis Lazuli Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber was a renowned Hungarian-American designer known for her luxurious and artistic handbags. Founded in 1963, her brand became synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, ...
Vintage Judith Leiber 1982 Art Deco Alligator & Ostrich Shoulder Bag, Documented
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An exceptional documented Judith Leiber design from 1982, crafted in a striking geometric patchwork of black alligator, karung snakeskin, and ostrich. Inspired by Art Deco design, th...
Judith Leiber Gold Lizard Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Gold Lizard Gemstone Clutch in good condition. Gold lizard trimmed with gold hardware, rose quartz and multi color gemstones along top edge. Top pinch lock closure open...
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Spencer Bear Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Teddy Bear Minaudiere in very good condition. Signature judith leiber minaudiere in timeless teddy bear shape. Bear's body features clear crystals ove...
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 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...
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 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 Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
STUNNING Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black alligator leather exterior trimmed with a front black and gold sliding latch...
Judith Leiber Vintage Brown Suede Bronze Glitter Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Brown Suede Bronze Glitter Gemstone Top Clutch- good condition. some tarnish on hardware and discoloration inside. Measurements 10.5"x7.25"x4.5" 19.5" strap drop
Vintage Judith Black Karung Gold Hardware Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber was a renowned Hungarian-American designer known for her luxurious and artistic handbags. Founded in 1963, her brand became synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, ...
Judith Leiber Foo Dog Stone & Gold-Tone Brown Leather Vintage Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Foo Dog Stone & Gold-Tone Brown Leather Vintage Waist Belt is a striking accessory that combines artistry with luxury. Crafted with high-quality brown leather,...
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 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 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 Green Snakeskin-Embossed Leather & Jade Accent Vintage Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Green Snakeskin-Embossed Leather & Jade Accent Vintage Waist Belt is a striking statement piece that combines luxurious craftsmanship with bold sophistication....
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 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 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 Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag with Silver Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag in good condition. Metallic beige and gray snakeskin exterior trimmed with silver hardware and an ...
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 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 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 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...
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 ...
1980s Judith Leiber Black Crystal Minaudiere Clutch Bag with Gold Trim
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 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 Black Silk Velvet Polka Dot Crystal Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Silk Velvet Polka Dot Crystal Top Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk with purple pink and black velvet polka dot pattern trimmed with silver hardware and b...
1980s Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Clutch with Gold Hardware & Lapis
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 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 1980s Tan Lizard Clutch with Gold Hardware and Gems
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 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 Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Clutch With Strap from the circa 1980s exemplifies timeless luxury and sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality snakeskin, the clutch...
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 Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Clutch in fair condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and tiger eye gemstones along t...
Judith Leiber Turquoise Embossed Leather Vintage Belt With Stone Detailed Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Turquoise Embossed Leather Vintage Belt with a Stone-Detail Buckle is a stunning accessory that exudes timeless elegance and craftsmanship. The vibrant turquoise e...
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 Swarovski Crystal Black Floral Box Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Judith Leiber black floral box minaudiere in excellent condition. Multicolor swarovski crystal exterior in a floral design over a black backgro...
JUDITH LEIBER Black Satin Evening Bag with Jet Black Rhinestones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber black satin evening bag with jet black rhinestones. This evening bag is in 'LIKE NEW' condition. There are no significant flaws or wear areas to consider with this love...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Purse A refined and distinctive design from Judith Leiber, this circular-shaped evening purse is crafted in polis...
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...
Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Suede and Swarovski Crystal 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 Minaudiere Change Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Minaudiere Change Purse Signed. Shoulder-length gilt-toned chain. Width 3 in. Condition Report Good condition.
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 Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk Tassel
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk Tassel in excellent condition. Black suede exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black sw...
Judith Leiber Lizard Leather Evening Bag Handbag Clutch - Semi - Precious Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Judith Leiber Evening Bag. Finely crafted from beige genuine lizard and tonal top stitching. Features multiple semi-precious stones including onyx, amethyst, jade, garnet, lapis, ros...
Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch in very good vintage condition. Red embossed suede exterior with exotic alligator print trimmed with gold...
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...
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...