C.1990 Judith Leiber Black Lizard Belt With Cabochon Bejeweled Buckle
View Similar Items
C.1990 Judith Leiber Black Lizard Belt With Cabochon Bejeweled Buckle
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Unmarked (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Classic black lizard is offset by a bejeweled buckle with Judith Leiber's signature style.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. No signs of age or use...mint!
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU48731745193
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.
- Donna Karan Gold Leather Belt, 1980’sBy Donna KaranLocated in Atlanta, GABe a fashion superhero with this strikingly wide gold leather belt from Donna Karan. The 1980’s sculptural silhouette accents the elongated oval buc...Category
1980s Italian Belts
$275 Sale Price30% Off - Judith Leiber Adjustable Black Leather BeltBy Judith LeiberLocated in Atlanta, GAJudith 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...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Belts
- Neiman Marcus Texas Novelty Brown Leather Belt, 1960'sBy Neiman MarcusLocated in Atlanta, GA1960's dark brown leather belt by Ben King for Neiman Marcus in Dallas Texas. The corset style belt has a Lone Star state motif with gold metal charms depicting characteristics of T...Category
1960s American Belts
- Escada Wide Leather Belt With Studs, 1980'sBy EscadaLocated in Atlanta, GAThis Escada belt means business! The neutral camel color leather looks great paired with many other shades and the addition of the gold studs in geometric shapes lends the belt a fu...Category
1980s German Belts
$195 Sale Price44% Off - Gold & Black Striped Cummerbund Style Silk BeltLocated in Atlanta, GACinch it in style with this black silk corded cummerbund belt with metallic gold stripes. The frog closure adds a touch of the exotic making it a perfect pairing for vintage styles ranging from art deco inspirations of the 1930's to disco fashions...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Belts
- RAFAEL SANCHEZ Cinnabar Resin Braid Sash Belt, 1980'sBy Rafael SanchezLocated in Atlanta, GA1980's Rafael Sanchez red braided belt with a statement making cinnabar resin medallion, enameled florets and glass beading. The belt has a distinctive Asian influence and is remini...Category
1980s American Belts
- Chanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn.By ChanelLocated in Buchanan, MIChanel Red Leather Belt, 1990-2000s Pristine Condition, Never Worn. Red Leather Buckel With Chanel Stamp.Category
20th Century Belts
- ALAÏA SS 1992 teal laser cut leather runway BeltBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHThis teal belt dating from SS 1992 runway is an ideal way to incorporate one of Alaïa’s key codes into your everyday wardrobe. It's made from smooth leather, w...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Vintage CC Logo Medallion Gold-Tone Necklace Belt, France, 1990sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel gold-tone triple “necklace” belt featuring a CC logo medallion, made in France, 1990s. The belt is stamped. Very classic and great for everyday ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Chanel Gold-Tone Horse Riding Motif Medallion Necklace Belt, 1990sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel gold-tone horse riding motif medallion necklace belt, made in France, 1990s. The belt is stamped. Very classic and great for everyday wear. Origin: France Size: total length ...Category
1990s French Belts
- Coco Chanel Early Poured Glass Sea Serpent BeltBy ChanelLocated in Riverdale, NYCoco Chanel Early Poured Glass Haute Couture Belt. Designed as a series of swag chains with emerald poured glass stations. Classically Baroque in the Chanel idiom with sea serpent...Category
1960s French Baroque Revival Belts
- CoCo Chanel Haute Couture Lion BeltBy ChanelLocated in Riverdale, NYCoCo 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...Category
1960s French Belts