Judith Leiber Vintage White Leather Silver Rhinestone Buckle Belt
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Vintage White Leather Silver Rhinestone Buckle Belt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10421384793
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.
- Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Monogram Sequin Eclipse BeltBy Louis VuittonLocated in Philadelphia, PALimited Edition Louis Vuitton Monogram Sequin Eclipse Belt in excellent condition. Signature monogram LV canvas trimmed with black sequins throughout. Golden brass buckle engraved with Louis Vuitton. Black lambskin leather back lining. 90cm size. Perfect for men and women. No stains smells major scuffs or signs of use. 5 belt holes for adjustability. Rare limited edition design no longer made or sold in stores. purchase includes dust cover. Louis vuitton made in france stamp...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Ralph Lauren Silver Leather Rickey BagLocated in Philadelphia, PARalph Lauren Silver Leather Rickey Bag in good condition. Silver leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware. Front sliding latch and double buckle closu...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- MCM Special Edition Silver Leather Swarovski Crystal Backpack with Rabbit CharmLocated in Philadelphia, PAMCM Special Edition Silver Leather Swarovski Crystal Backpack with Rabbit Charm in excellent condition. Silver leather body with small silver studs trimmed with gunmetal caviar leather and swarovski crystals along sides. Front zippered pouch, small embroidered charms and engraved serial plate upon front side. Double padded leather and nylon adjustable shoulder straps provide comfortable and sturdy wear. Double zipper closure with removable leather pouf ball crystal rabbit...Category
2010s Backpacks
- Devi Kroell Silver Snakeskin Hobo Shoulder BagBy Devi KroellLocated in Philadelphia, PADevi Kroell silver snakeskin hobo tote in excellent condition. Silver python snakeskin exterior. Top snap closure opens to a satin lined interior that hol...Category
2010s Hobo Bags
- Chloe Silver Leather Satin Snakeskin Buckle Shoulder BagBy ChloéLocated in Philadelphia, PAFabulous CHLOE silver buckled shoulder bag in excellent condition. Silver leather, satin, and snakeskin exterior trimmed with a leather and satin s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Tonya Hawkes Silver Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather Convertible ClutchBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Tonya Hawkes Silver Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Silver leather exterior with a unique geometric embossed pattern and laser cut tin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- chanel B16S 70/28 Silver Leather CC Logo Belt 106c25By ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: B16 S Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 32.5" Width: .1" Height: .8" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Dust Bag Signs of Wear...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Hermes ( ULTRA RARE ) Comet Star H Belt Kit Reversible Silver Limited 859186By HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYThis item will ship out immediately. Previously owned, unless otherwise stated. C in a Square Stamp Made In: France Measurements: Length: 26.5"-28.5" (from buckle to first and last holes) Width: 1" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 8.5/10 or A- ) Includes Hermes Gift...Category
20th Century Belts
- Chanel B16S 70/28 Silver Leather CC Logo Belt 106c25By ChanelLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: B16 S Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 32.5" Width: .1" Height: .8" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Dust Bag Signs of Wear...Category
20th Century Belts
- Louis Vuitton Glitter Silver Damier LV Pyramide 40mm Belt 37LV128SBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYLouis Vuitton Glitter Silver Damier LV Pyramide 40mm Belt 37LV128S Date Code/Serial Number: BC4271 Made In: Spain Measurements: Length: 46.5" Wi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belts
- Chanel Silver Crystal Heart Belt Necklace (2004)By ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Silver Crystal Heart Belt Necklace is pristine. 2004 Collection. Silver draped chain with interlocking CCs. Heart shaped crystals are securely embedded in the...Category
Early 2000s Belts
- Antique Silver Open Work Filigree Paneled BeltLocated in Wallkill, NYLovely Open Work Filigree Silver Belt. Hallmarked on the back of belt buckle 900 Silver, Silver .900 / .999. This is a show stopper!. The belt will ...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Belts