Judith Leiber Brown Suede Animal Buckle Belt
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Brown Suede Animal Buckle Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU147211497532
Judith Leiber
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.
- 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
- Vintage Black & Multicolor Yves Saint Laurent 1976 Russian Collection BeltBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYVintage black and multicolor ric-rac tassel-trimmed belt by Yves Saint Laurent. From the 1976 Russian Collection. 2.5" width, 65" length.Category
1970s European Belts
$380 Sale Price20% Off - Black Alexander McQueen Wide Tooled Leather Belt Size US SBy Alexander McQueenLocated in New York, NYBlack wide tooled leather waist belt by Alexander McQueen. Four gold-tone buckle front closures. 3.5" width, 35" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Belts
- Silver-Tone Chanel Multistrand Chain-Link BeltBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYSilver-tone multistrand chain-link and black bead belt by Chanel. Lobster claw clasp closure. 5.5" width, 42.5" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Belts
- Vintage Black Chanel Spring/Summer 1996 Belt Size US XSBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYVintage black nylon and leather belt by Chanel. From the Spring/Summer 1996 Collection. Silver-tone logo buckle clsoure. 1" width, 32.5" length.Category
1990s European Belts
- Vintage Black Gianfranco Ferre Wide Leather Belt Size US SBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in New York, NYVintage black wide leather belt by Gianfranco Ferre. Contrast stitching throughout. Dual gold-tone buckle closures. 3" width, 31" length.Category
Late 20th Century European Belts
$276 Sale Price20% Off
- Kathrine Baumann Swarovski Leopard Belt BuckleBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Scottsdale, AZCalling all feline lovers! Add some GLAM to your belt buckle collection & catch someone's attention from across the room with the sparkle. This intricate Leopard buckle is designed and signed by Kathrine...Category
1990s American Belts
- Kathrine Baumann Swarovski Flower Belt BuckleBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills, Katherine BaumannLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd some GLAM to your belt buckle collection! Catch someone's attention from across the room with the sparkle. This intricate flower belt buckle is designed and signed by Kathrine Baumann...Category
1990s American Belts
- Cartier "Byzantine" Belt or Necklace in Gold Vermeil, Signed, circa 1970By CartierLocated in McKinney, TXAn extremely rare gold vermeil belt by Cartier, circa 1970, also can be worn as a chunky statement necklace. This highly sought after and coveted belt is made from solid sterling si...Category
1970s American Belts
- Early 1990s Gianni Versace Gold Medusa Medallion Greek Key Chain Belt/NecklaceBy Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning gold Medusa Greek key Gianni Versace chain belt/necklace, designed by Gianni Versace. This stunning belt is constructed of gold colored metal and features a Gre...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- Handcrafted Pink Bohemian Waist Belt Embroidered on SilkLocated in North Hollywood, CAGrace your waistline with this saree embroidery Bohemian fuchsia pink belt. This hot pink belt is designed to give a very stylish bohemian look for your outfit. Handcrafted maggam work waist belt embroidered on silk cloth. Material: Silk Brocade fabric...Category
Late 20th Century Indian Waist Belts
$76 Sale Price20% Off - Alexander McQueen Waist Belt Cotton Embroidered India InspiredBy Alexander McQueenLocated in North Hollywood, CAAlexander McQueen's waist belt inspired by the handicraft of the Rajasthan Mughal textile. Alexander Mcqueen mirror work colorful India inspi...Category
2010s Italian Belts
$360 Sale Price20% Off