Judith Leiber Gilt Equine Buckle Embossed White Leather Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:The white leather adjustable belt has a embossed textured finish
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU736590652
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: University City, MO
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Judith Leiber Massive Figural Gilt Metal Door Knocker Medallion Belt c 1960sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Opulent massive figural gilt metal door knocker medallion leather belt c 1960s The incredible belt is designed with a huge scale gilt ...Category
1960s Unknown Belts
- Massive Avant Garde Mixed Metal Leaf Belt c 1980sLocated in University City, MOMassive avant-garde mixed metal leaf belt c 1980s The artisan belt is designed with a trio of huge scale mixed metal leaves The large scale leaves range from silver metal, bra...Category
1980s Unknown Belts
- Artisan Glass Stone Buckle Woven Metal Belt c 1980sLocated in University City, MOArtisan glass stone buckle woven metal belt c 1980s The unique handmade artisan belt is designed with a large oval shaped buckle embellished with a collection of glittering glas...Category
1980s Unknown Belts
- William De Lillo Massive Mixed Metal Butterfly Belt c 1968By William De LilloLocated in University City, MOWilliam De Lillo Massive mixed metal butterfly belt The avant-garde belt is designed with a large chrome metal butterfly buckle The unique belt is ...Category
1960s Unknown Belts
- Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Jeweled gilt metal elephant buckle belt c 1980s The opulent belt is adorned with a large scale brushed gilt metal elephant head buckle; embellished with a collection of glass stones that serves as the eyes & decorate the buckle Paired with an embossed wide beige leather adjustable belt Makes a very chic eye-catching accessory Measurements: The waist size extends from 21 inches up to 35 inches The embossed beige leather belt measures 1.75 inches wide The jeweled elephant...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Belts
- Hermes Paris Handmade Cloth Artisan Embroidered Tassel Belt c 1970sBy HermèsLocated in University City, MOHermes Paris Rare handmade cloth artisan embroidered tassel belt c 1970s The unique black cloth wool belt is embellished with three individual embroidered scenes featuring horse dra...Category
1970s French Belts
- Moschino by Redwall White Leather Belt Gold Cows Hearts 1980sBy MoschinoLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLThis beautiful Vintage Moschino by Redwall 1987 belt (they do not produce these anymore, so it is a collectors item) is a fashion accessory created by the Italian luxury fashion bran...Category
1980s Italian Belts
- GIANFRANCO FERRE Leather BeltBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NLRare Gianfranco Ferre Belt. Gianfranco Ferré was an Italian fashion designer known for his elegant and sophisticated designs. He was often referred to as ...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- Chanel, Chain belt/necklace with rhinestone Camellia.By ChanelLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLChanel, Chain belt/necklace with rhinestone Camellia. This item is in very good condition and comes with the box. Could be worn as a belt, tip choker or as a bracelet. Four strand s...Category
Early 2000s Belts
- 1990's Versace Safety Pin BeltBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Glasgow, GBVintage Leather Gianni Versace safety pin belt. Black leather with silver toned buckle embossed with silver logo stamp featuring head of medusa...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- Reem Acra Multicolor Lurex Jacquard & Faux Fur Beaded Heart Detail Waist Belt MBy Reem AcraLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A statement belt for women by Reem Acra. The belt is made from a mix of materials into a striking design and decorated with an embellished heart motif. It is sized to comfortably fit...Category
2010s American 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