1980's Judith Leiber Gold Tone Chain Link Belt
View Similar Items
1980's Judith Leiber Gold Tone Chain Link Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU39421507863
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s (1921–2018) ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer made minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) 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.
Like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber’s minaudières were the result of a happy accident. In 1967, she 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 dazzling 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,” she 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 her 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 Leiber’s handbags). 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 celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find a collection of vintage Judith Leiber handbags and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- Napier Rhinestone Belt, 1990sBy NapierLocated in San Francisco, CA1990s Napier Rhinestone Belt. Low waisted rhinestone and gold-tone belt.Category
1990s Belts
- Gianni Versace Faux Snakeskin and Silver Rope BeltBy Gianni VersaceLocated in San Francisco, CAGianni Versace Faux Snakeskin and Silver Rope Belt L 35-38 W 1.5Category
Late 20th Century Italian Belts
- 1980's Judith Leiber Maroon Lizard Skin Belt w/ Gold Tone BuckleBy Judith LeiberLocated in San Francisco, CA1980's Judith Leiber fully-adjustable belt made in maroon lizard skin, with modernist gold tone belt buckle with two set-in glass beads, one black and one dark maroon. Hook and eyele...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
$155 Sale Price20% Off - 40s Gold Bow BeltLocated in San Francisco, CA40s Gold Bow Belt 25" lengthCategory
1940s Unknown Belts
$325 Sale Price23% Off - Galanos Magenta Snakeskin BeltBy GalanosLocated in San Francisco, CAGalanos Magenta Snakeskin Belt. Pronged belt buckle fastening. Adjustable, maximum 29" waist.Category
1980s Belts
$235 Sale Price20% Off - 70s Wide Gold Stretch BeltLocated in San Francisco, CA70s gold tone stretch belt with textured buckle. Measurements: 23 1/2 inches while laying flat up to 28 1/2 inches when stretchedCategory
1970s Belts
- CHANEL gold tone CC logo medallion coin chunky double chain drop beltBy Karl Lagerfeld, ChanelLocated in Hong Kong, NTCHANEL gold tone CC logo medallion coin chunky double chain drop belt Reference: TGAS/D00158 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Material: Metal Color: Gold Pattern: Solid Closure...Category
1990s French Belts
- 1980s Escada Pony Animal Print Belt with Gold Leopard Charm BuckleBy EscadaLocated in London, GBSuperb 1980's Escada belt in tiger stripe pony skin, lined with neutral leather and finished with a gold and enamel leopard charm buckle, gold-tone metalware, Made in Italy This stu...Category
1980s German Belts
$282 Sale Price25% Off - Chanel Gold Coco CC Logo Oval Twist Chain Rope Belt (35 Inch)By ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Gold Material: Metal Marks: Logo and Made in France engraved Clasp Style: Hook Year: Circa 1990s Measures: H 35 Pendant drop: 1” Condition: Very good. Faint hairline scratche...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts
- Louis Vuitton 90/36 Ivory x Gold LV Cut Out Initials Belt 71lk328sBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYLouis Vuitton 90/36 Ivory x Gold LV Cut Out Initials Belt 71lk328s Date Code/Serial Number: CT0171 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 42.5" Width:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- 1990s Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Chain Leather Charm Belt Heart Clover PerfumeBy ChanelLocated in Bangkok, THThis vintage Chanel gold toned chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chain in quilted pattern interlaced with black leather featuring six iconic Chanel charms. Stamped Chanel 95...Category
1990s French Belts
- 1993 Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Clover CC Chain Belt 42 Inches LongBy ChanelLocated in Bangkok, THThis vintage CHANEL chain belt is crafted of sturdy gold toned chains featuring a massive CC clover charm. Adjustable hook fastening. Chain measures approximately 42 inches (106.5 cm...Category
1990s French Belts