Judith Leiber Brown Leather Belt with Tiger's Eye and Bone Details
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Belt with Tiger's Eye and Bone Details
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU48718412
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 Grey Wide Suede Belt with Gunmetal Tone Buckle Size XSBy Donna KaranLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis vintage Donna Karan belt is composed of a grey suede with large gunmetal hue buckle. Features a classic wide style high waist style. This...Category
20th Century American Belts
- Donna Karan Black Leather Belt W/ 2 Large Gold Balls ClosureBy Donna KaranLocated in Los Angeles, CADonna Karan Black Leather Belt W/ 2 Large Gold Balls Closure. From 1990s is in excellent condition Measurements: Length - 30 inches Width - 1.3 inchesCategory
1990s Belts
- Judith Leiber White Belt W/ Gold Lions Head ClaspBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAJudith Leiber White Belt W/ Gold Lions Head Clasp. Measurements: Longest length - 39.5 inches Shortest length - 23 inches Width - 1.25 inchesCategory
1990s American Belts
- Kleingberg Sherrill Gold Buckle W/ Four Colored Belt BandsLocated in Los Angeles, CAKleingberg Sherrill Gold Buckle W/ Four Colored Belt Bands ( Black, Navy, Brown, Green ). In excellent condition Measurements: Longest length- 27.5 inches Shortest length - 23.5 i...Category
1980s Belts
- Galanos Large Brown Wide Belt With Bronze StudsBy GalanosLocated in Los Angeles, CAGalanos Large Brown Wide Belt With Bronze Studs. Vintage belt from 1980s in excellent condition Measurements: Longest length - 28.3 inches Shortest length - 27 inches Height - 4...Category
1980s American Belts
- Jean L'Insolite Black Leather Belt W/ Gold BuckleLocated in Los Angeles, CAJean L'Insolite Black Leather Belt W/ Gold Buckle. In excellent condition Measurements: Longest length - 29 inches Shortest length - 27.5 inchesCategory
1980s French Belts
- Hermes Gris Etain/Noir Epsom And Chamonix Reversible Belt Strap 85 CMBy HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The classic and one of the iconic styles from the house of Hermes is their belts which give this luxurious piece a multi-utility and versatile look. Crafted from leather, this belt s...Category
2010s French Belts
- Hermes Black/Gold Epsom and Chamonix Leather Belt Strap 90CMBy HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The classic and one of the iconic styles from the house of Hermes is their belts which give this luxurious piece a multi-utility and versatile look. Crafted from leather, this belt s...Category
2010s French Belts
- Hermes Rouge H Size 85 Pop H 15 beltBy HermèsLocated in Nicosia, CYPreloved, never used with box. Size 85. Leather belt in Epsom calfskin with gold plated buckle. Width: 15 mmCategory
2010s French Belts
- Brown Prada Studded Leather BeltBy PradaLocated in New York, NYBrown leather studded belt by Prada. Gold-tone hardware. Buckle closure. 1.75" height, 54" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Belts
- Hermes Blue Saphir/Izmir Epsom and Tadelakt Leather Reversible Belt Strap Size 1By HermèsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Made of leather, this Hermes belt strap comes in two tones to complement any outfit and buckle shape. It is made in France.Category
2010s Italian Belts
- Chanel Black Leather In Silver Hardware CC Logo Buckle BeltBy ChanelLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Vintage Chanel black leather in silver hardware CC logo buckle belt from 1996 collection. - Size length: 70cm. Width: 2.8cmCategory
1990s French Belts