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 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 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 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 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 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...
Judith Leiber 1980s Brown Alligator Clutch with Gold Hardware & Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Brown Alligator Clutch in excellent condition. Brown alligator trimmed with gold hardware and tiger eye twist lock closure. T...
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 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...
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 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 Clear and Green Rhinestone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber clutch Clear and green rhinestones in a stripe pattern Silver snap closure Silver chain strap that can be stored inside Soft silver leather lining Comes with silver coin purse...
$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 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 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 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 1980s Swarovski Teddy Bear Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Get your hands on the Judith Leiber 1980s Swarovski Crystal Teddy Bear Belt—a whimsical and charming accessory that combines playful design with luxurious craftsmanship. The standout...
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 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 Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag in good condition. Navy lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones along top edge. Center lift latc...
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 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...
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...
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 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 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 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 Nude to Brown Ombre Lizard Skin Purse Gold Straps
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber purse is composed of a nude to brown ombre lizard skin. Features an interior gold frame with two side pockets. There is an interior pocket and two slide pockets. C...
Judith Leiber JLP Minaudiere Clutch Double sided Black Silver New with Tag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Judith Leiber Monogram Hinged Hard Shell Clutch JLP Double-sided Black and Silver crystals. Measuring 3.5 H x 6 W x 1 3/4 D 50 inch chain. New with ...
Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog Miniaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...
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 Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gemstone Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Black lizard trimmed with gold hardware and multi colored gemstones along top edge. Unique middle eas...
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag
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...
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 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...
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 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 Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with sparkling black rhinestone body...
Judith Leiber Dark Red Satin Silk and Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS Judith Leiber vintage satin and swarovski crystal evening bag clutch in excellent condition. Dark red pinched textured style satin silk exterior trimmed with gold and silve...
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 JLP Black & Silver Minaudiere Clutch Double sided New with tags
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Judith Leiber Monogram Hinged Hard Shell Clutch JLP Double-sided Black and Silver crystals. 3.5 in H x 6 in W x 1 3/4 in D - 50 in. chain, New with T...
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 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 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 Couture Black Satin Box Clutch with Gold Trim and Push-Lock Closur
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Couture Black Satin Box Clutch with Gold Trim and Push-Lock Closure A sleek and elegant statement piece from Judith Leiber Couture, this structured clutch is crafted...
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 White Lizard Handbag, Gold Tone Hardware, Additional lizard Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber white lizard purse with gold tone hardware. Comes with an optional lizard strap. There is an interior zipper pocket. In excellent, almost new vintage condition. (some ...
Judith Leiber White Leather Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber White Leather Clutch Signed. Rectangular, with front closure flap and rear open slot, the enamel and gold toned clasp cast as a nautilus, the white fabric interior, wi...
Judith Leiber Shimmery Charcoal Suede Polka Dot Purse, 1990s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shimmery, celestial polka dot suede (feels like velvet!) bag by Judith Leiber. Circa 1990s. A rare and wonderfully large sized bag from Leiber. Long straps for ease of movement. Gold...
Judith Leiber Black Reptile Deco Evening Convertible Evening Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expertly designed by renowned handbag designer Judith Leiber, this 80s black reptile deco evening bag exudes elegance with its unique styling. The hidden removable leather strap allo...
Leiber Black Lizard Large Lizard Medallion Belt, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reptile-linked, oversized medallions with gold and silver-tone radiating medallions. Large, center medallions. Some gold tone loss on center piece. Good condition. Additional inform...
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Equine Buckle Embossed Blue Leather Belt c 1980
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
JUDITH LEIBER Gilt metal equine buckle blue leather belt c 1980 The equestrian style belt is adorned with a stylized gold metal horse head buckle. The belt is designed with dark bl...
Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.
By Judith Leiber
Located in Buchanan, MI
Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.
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....
Vintage Judith Leiber Patchwork Quilted Cotton Swarovski Crystal Clutch c1970s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Patchwork Quilt Cotton Swarovski Crystal Clutch c1970s in good condition. Unique multicolor cotton front and back with p...
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...
Vintage Judith Leiber Snakeskin Waist Belt With Pink Rhinestone Embellishments
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Celebrate the timeless elegance of the Vintage Judith Leiber Snakeskin Waist Belt, a stunning accessory that enhances any outfit. Crafted from luxurious yellow cream costume snakeski...
Judith Leiber Couture White and Black Crystal & Pearl Decor Sunglasses and Case
By Judith Leiber
Located in Munich, DE
For more than 50 years, Judith Leiber’s evening bags, crystal minaudières and other accessories have been recognized worldwide for their attention to detail. Many of the minaudières are part of the permanent design archives of museums across the globe. These elegant vintage Judith Leiber Couture...
Judith Leiber Pink and Green Metallic Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Pink and Green Metallic Lizard Clutch in excellent condition. Pink and green metallic lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and red and green gemstones along top e...
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: ...