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 Opulent Jeweled Large Scale Gilt Metal Butterfly Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Opulent crystal encrusted large scale gilt metal butterfly belt c 1980s The massive gilt metal butterfly buckle is embellished with rows of intricate diamante crystals ...
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...
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...
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...
Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980's
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980's. This piece is in good vintage condition with discolorations on the gold color that are consistent with ag...
2005 JUDITH LEIBER Crystal Embellished Gold Tone Double Stretch Metal Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Munich, DE
Synonymous with American luxury, Judith Leiber handbags and accessories are stylish, sophisticated and often whimsical. This is an eye-catching and elegant signed and dated Judith L...
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 Roman Coin Black Snakeskin Leather Belt circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exceptional Judith Leiber belt from the 1980s is a striking example of vintage luxury craftsmanship. Crafted from sleek black snakeskin leather, the belt exudes sophistication a...
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber stylish gilt metal dangling charm heavy chain belt c 1980s The elegant belt is adorned with 10 dangling charms designed with a man's head, horse heads & orb fobs The d...
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 Lion Buckle Black Embossed Leather Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Ornate lion buckle black embossed leather belt c 1980 The elegant belt is adorned with a large stylized lion head buckle The lion's face is designed with smooth silve...
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 Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Jeweled gilt metal elephant buckle belt c 1980s The opulent belt is adorned with a large scale brushed gilt metal elephant head buckle; embellished with a collection of glass stones that serves as the eyes & decorate the buckle Paired with an embossed wide beige leather adjustable belt Makes a very chic eye-catching accessory Measurements: The waist size extends from 21 inches up to 35 inches The embossed beige leather belt measures 1.75 inches wide The jeweled elephant...
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...
1983 Christopher Ross Bow Statement Belt Buckle
By Christopher Ross
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a statement in this Christopher Ross Bow Belt Buckle from 1983! The textured plated gold metal and freely structured shape of the bow gives the il...
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...
Celine 1990s Brown Leather Gold Tone Belt
By Celine
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your wardrobe with this iconic Celine 1990s Brown Leather Gold Tone Belt. Crafted from rich, deep brown leather, this belt exudes timeless sophist...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your outfit with this Yves Saint Laurent belt from the 1980s! Gold metallic leather belt with gold hammered belt-buckle. Marked a size medium. Measures 34 inches total.
Vintage CHANEL Chocolate Bar Turnlock Leather Belt Silver Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel chocolate bar belt is crafted of lambskin leather in square quilted pattern featuring a black enameled silver toned CC turnlock. Stamped Chanel 02P made in Italy....
$550
Size: Small - Medium
New Proenza Schouler Bronze Gold Metallic Sequin Silk Tie Sash Belt Hair Scarf
By Proenza Schouler
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new PROENZA SCHOULER golden bronze sequin sash belt! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins on both the front and back of the belt. Extremely versatile piece that can really a...
Vintage Chanel Gold CC Round Layered Chain Belt
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Vintage Chanel belt with round CC logo. Slight scuffing and tarnishing on the hardware. Length is 105 cm.
Chanel Vintage Gold 1982 Coin CC Chain Link Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
Vintage 1982 Chanel CC coin chain belt 100% authentic Made in France Gold Plated Measurements approx.: length of chain with coin attached 39" Very good condition overall aside from ...
1994 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Quadruple Chain Belt Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
Vintage Chanel gold toned chain belt featuring front quadruple chain draping in textured and polished double links and a CC charm. Adjustable hook fastening. It can be worn as a belt...
Chanel Vintage Gold Double Chain CC Medallion Waist Belt
By Chanel
Located in Bellevue, WA
DETAILS: Hallmark: CHANEL Made in France 1984 collection Gold Plated The belt is in good condition showing minimal wear Measurements approx.: chain length 35” Comes with box IMPORTA...
Vintage Escada Champagne Metallic Gold Star Charm Leather Waist Belt
By Escada
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Vintage Escada Champagne Metallic Gold Star Charm Leather Waist Belt is a luxurious accessory that embodies sophistication and style. This exquisite belt features a rich metallic...
CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion Belt Maison Goossens
By Chanel, Maison Goossens for Chanel
Located in Riverdale, NY
CoCo Chanel early chain belt composed of signature curb chain with classic signature lions head motifs terminating in an adjustable pendant tassel. Coco Chanel synthesizes her favor...
JUDITH LEIBER Gold Lion Medallion Stretch Mesh Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Leiber's stylish spin on a classic Roman gladiator belt with a lion head motif and a heavy gilded look. The buckle hooks at the front and the belt features a stretch mesh for...
Judith Leiber Red Leather Gold-Tone Embellished Waist Belt circa 1990s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Judith Leiber Red Leather Gold-Tone Embellished Waist Belt from the circa 1990s is a striking accessory that exudes luxury and timeless elegance. Crafted from high-quality red l...
Gold-Tone Judith Leiber Double Banded Metal Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Gold-tone double banded metal waist belt by Judith Leiber. Hook closure at front. 1" height, 0.1" width, 28" length.
Judith Leiber Gold Metal Lion Head Buckle Expansion Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber gold metal, lion head buckle, expansion belt. Gorgeous belt looks like it was barely, if ever, worn. Two rows of gold metal stretchy expansion bands. Stretches from 28-...
Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Belt with Amethyst and Rose Quartz, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If a statement piece is what you're looking for, look no further! This is the perfect belt for style icons and superheroes alike. From the brilliant minds at Judith Leiber comes th...
JUDITH LEIBER Adjustable Lizard Skin Belt With Lion Motif, 1980's
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
1980’s Judith Leiber adjustable coral red lizard skin belt with gold plated lion medallions and cabochon stones. The belt hooks at the front creating a seamless design. It adjusts ...
Judith Leiber 1980s Gold-Tone Stretch Double Belt With Rhinestone Buckle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the iconic Judith Leiber 1980s Gold-Tone Stretch Double Belt with Rhinestone Buckle, a stunning accessory that epitomizes vintage glamour and sophistication. This exquisi...
1990s Judith Leiber Bird Head Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very interesting and unique Judith Leiber statement belt from the early 1990s. Chocolate brown supple leather with a very large gold tone metal bird head buckle. The bird features an...
Judith Leiber Pave Crystal Bejeweled Frog Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Leap into Spring and Summer wearing a vintage Judith Leiber black lizard skin belt with bejeweled frog buckles. These little guys are adorable … fashioned out of gold plated metal e...
Judith Leiber Black Ostrich Leather Belt with faceted Silver Rhine Crystal
By Judith Leiber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Judith Leiber black leather belt with faceted Silver Rhine Crystal buckle. Modern Fashionable style meets old Hollywood glamour, encrusted in faceted crystals and customize with a le...
Judith Leiber Adjustable Black Leather Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Judith Leiber black leather belt with gold plated hardware and an easy adjustable style. The unique design has a curved ‘tail’ and two sliding parts so that it can be worn at differ...
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Rose Quartz Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber gilt metal dangling charm semi-precious pink rose quartz heavy chain belt c 1980s The elegant belt is designed with a heavy chunky wide link gilt metal chain embellishe...