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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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 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 Crystal Encrusted Monogram evening clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber crystal encrusted monogram evening clutch or shoulder bag. This beautiful bag in monogrammed LMJ, in crystal rhinestones set against black rhinestones. The bag frame is...
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 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 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 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 Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber is internationally acclaimed for her glammed-up, kitschy accessories. Never dull, Leiber’s creations employ deep color combinations and sculpture forms that often refle...
Judith Leiber Cream Off White Snakeskin Hobo with Multi Metal Two Tone Chain
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous Judith Leiber purse. The handbag is composed of a striking off white snakeskin and features a two tone chain. There is a one interior zipper compartment and a snap...
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...
Early Judith Leiber Pave Owl Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Early and unusual Judith Leiber Pave Shoulder Bag in silver kid leather with applied 3-D bombe, pave owl heads. Unusual design with charming figural accent...
Judith Leiber Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag
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 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 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...
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, ...
Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag in fair condition. Pale pink lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold chain shoulder strap handle with crystal beads throughout. ...
1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Known for her exquisite use of exotic skins, this 1980s patchwork multi-skin brown and black geometric over-sized clutch with punch clasp by Leiber is a must have. The clutch has a f...
Louis Vuitton Denim Patchwork Speedy
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This fashionable Speedy handbag is constructed from a patchwork of denim, incorporating monogram denim with pockets and zippers from Louis Vuitton. The bag's top handles are rolled v...
CHANEL black lambskin leather CLASSIC MINI RECTANGULAR Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic Mini Rectangular Timeless Single Flap Bag in black lambskin embodies the maison’s timeless elegance. Crafted with silver-tone hardware, it closes w...
CHANEL black grained leather CLASSIC 11.12 MEDIUM Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic 11.12 Medium double flap bag in black grained calfskin Caviar leather epitomizes timeless elegance. Accented with silver-tone hardware, it features...
CHANEL blue DENIM CHOCOLATE BAR MEDIUM FLAP Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Chocolate Bar Medium Flap Bag is crafted from classic blue denim with the signature chocolate bar quilted pattern, offering a modern yet timeless aesthetic...
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag presented in classic Black Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, showcas...
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...
H 7.09 in W 3.15 in L 11.42 in
1970s Celine Blue and Red Triomphe Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine « Triomphe » Blue canvas and red leather shoulder bag featuring an iconic « Triomphe » front detail, a top zip opening, a red leather adjustable strap and an inside logo stamp...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
H 5.12 in W 7.88 in D 1.97 in
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG087 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1...
H 4.34 in W 7.49 in D 2.37 in
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4485 Brand: Chanel Model: Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Se...
H 6.11 in D 0.79 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich ...
Hermes Evelyne TPM Etoupe Navy Strap Palladium Hardware New w/Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Evelyne TPM Mini featured in neutral Etoupe. RIch with the Navy sport strap. Clemence leather is soft and scratch resistant. Signature perforated H on front of bag. Fresh with Palladium hardware. Fabulous shoulder or cross body bag. Comes with sleepers and signature Hermes box. NEW or NEVER WORN The Hermes mini bag...
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition Wildcat Chiquita jaguar minaudiere clutch bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition Wildcat Chiquita brown gold jaguar crystal minaudiere clutch bag Reference: SNKO/A00613 Brand: Judith Leiber Model: Wildcat Chiquita Collection: Limited...
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition strawberry cupcake Say Yes minaudiere clutch bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition pink gold strawberry cupcake crystal Say Yes minaudiere clutch bag Reference: SNKO/A00614 Brand: Judith Leiber Collection: Limited Edition Material: Met...
H 7 in W 3 in L 9.5 in
Judith Leiber Zahara Patchwork Python Snake Shoulder Bag Lapis Chain Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
- Blue python exterior - Chain strap - Two interior pockets Condition: The bag is in overall great condition with no major imperfections it is missing crystal in the fro...
Judith Lieber Collectors Limited Ed. Snake Skin Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Exotic Black Crocodile Clutch with Jeweled Snake Motif, 21st Century A masterwork of bold sophistication, this exotic crocodile-embossed clutch by Judith Leiber exempli...
Judith Leiber Vintage Basket Weave Snakeskin Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Basket Weave Snakeskin Drawstring Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Tan basket weave rattan with black red tan and green leath...
H 11.5 in W 14.5 in D 4.5 in
Judith Leiber Large Black Ostrich Leather Handbag With Gold Studs
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This fabulous Judith Leiber black ostrich handbag is both uncharacteristically large and a little edgy as compared to Leiber's other designs. The body of the handbag measures 11.5" ...
H 6.5 in W 8 in D 2.5 in
Judith Leiber Art Deco Lizard Skin & Enamel Frame Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in a black lizard skin with an Art Deco style enamel top frame embellished with crystals. The clip closure is decorated with a channeled glass ...
H 6.5 in W 9 in D 2.5 in
Judith Leiber Black Lace Printed Gold Leather Snake Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in an unusual black lace printed gold leather with a push button pearl closure embellished by a coiled pave crystal snake. The closure opens to...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap Bag in excellent condition. Black lizard trimmed with antique silver hardware, swarovski crystals and jade gemstones. Front flap snap closure open...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. black lizard leather exterior trimmed with antiqued silver hardware, swarovski crys...
1990s Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and Goldware, tiop clutch closure, gold metalware, coloured gems, leather strap, inside pocket ...
Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Navy lizard trimmed with gold hardware, multi colored gemstones along top edge, and navy blue cord...