Judith Leiber Hardshell Purse/Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Great form, signed inside.
Category
1960s American Vintage Judith Leiber Boxes
Materials
Brass
Judith Leiber Boxes
American, Hungarian, 1921-2018
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.
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Creator: Judith Leiber
Judith Leiber Millennium Minaudiere, Clutch and/or Purse
$2,239Sale Price|20% Off
Judith Leiber Millennium Minaudiere, Clutch and/or Purse
By Judith Leiber
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This is a Judith Leiber minaudiere, clutch and/or purse. It depicts a small rectangular metal box wrapped with an ocean blue palette, green, yellow, brown and beige color paper illus...
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Vintage Judith Leiber Bedazzled Compact Mirror
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This vintage Judith Leiber bedazzled compact mirror captures the glamour and meticulous ornament of the designer’s celebrated accessories. The compact is embellished with sparkling r...
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Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Judith Leiber Boxes
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Judith Leiber boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Judith Leiber boxes are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Judith Leiber boxes, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original boxes by Judith Leiber were created in the modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider boxes by and Karl Springer. Prices for Judith Leiber boxes can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $785 and can go as high as $2,799, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $853.
Creators Similar to Judith Leiber
Questions About Judith Leiber Boxes
Who is Judith Leiber?
1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Judith Leiber was a designer who specialized in creating imaginative handbags. She was born on January 11, 1921, in Budapest, Hungary, and died on April 28, 2018, in Springs, New York. You'll find a collection of Judith Leiber on 1stDibs.How do I wear Judith Leiber?
1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you wear a Judith Leiber handbag is a matter of personal preference. Many of the brand's bags have playful shapes that allow them to work as well with jeans as they do with evening attire. Some people prefer to keep their jewelry understated when carrying a Judith Leiber to keep the emphasis on the statement bag. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Judith Leiber.Where can I buy Judith Leiber?
1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You have many options for where to buy Judith Leiber. If you prefer to shop virtually, browse the brand's official online store or find the brand's bags on reputable online platforms, including 1stDibs. Numerous brick-and-mortar stores around the country also carry Judith Leiber. You'll find a selection of Judith Leiber handbags and accessories on 1stDibs.- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Models for Judith Leiber change from year to year and season to season. Valentina Sampaio was the face of the brand for photo shoots in 2020. In 2019, Emily DiDonato posed with Judith Leiber bags for the designer's spring campaign. Find a variety of Judith Leiber bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Judith Leiber is famed for her eclectic clutch bags. Her designs range from crystal-studded flamingos and ice cream cones to standard, sparkling rectangle shapes. On 1stDibs, you can find a collection of authentic Judith Leiber clutches from some of the world’s top sellers.
Are Judith Leiber bags worth it?
1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Many fashion lovers believe that Judith Leiber bags are worth it. 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. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Judith Leiber bags is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Judith Leiber bags and other bags on 1stDibs.- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Judith Leiber handbags are handmade. Skilled artisans hand sew the bags to ensure quality. In addition, the team of craftsmen applies the brand's signature rhinestone and crystal beading by hand. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Judith Leiber handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Where Judith Leiber sunglasses are made varies. Match Eyewear produces sunglasses for the brand. An in-house factory in Italy manufactures some of the company's eyewear, and third-party factories located throughout the world receive contracts to produce some models. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Judith Leiber sunglasses.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Judith Leiber handbag, follow the care instructions printed on the label inside the lining or on the care card that accompanied the bag. Most bags require use of a soft, dry cloth. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Judith Leiber handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to tell if a Judith Leiber bag is original is to check the designer's stamp usually found along the metal frame or above a seam. The style of the stamp varied over the years, but usually included the brand name. On a genuine Judith Leiber bag, the stamp will appear evenly spaced. Find a selection of expertly vetted Judith Leiber handbags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Generally, the lining of a Judith Leiber Minaudière purse is genuine leather. Skilled artisans craft these statement-making mini bags by hand, and the designs often include rhinestone and crystal beading. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Judith Leiber Minaudière purses.