Judith Leiber Mod style lizard shoulder bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Mod style lizard shoulder bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Lizard, metal
- Condition:Very good-excellent vintage condition, there is bit of discolouration to the lining, not unpleasant sort of a purplish tint.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU12030528435
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.
- Giorgio Armani Black Suede & Satin Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag Black FrameBy Giorgio ArmaniLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGiorgio Armani black suede with black satin evening back set with Swarovski crystals, the bag has a black acrylic frame and snap closure. The bag has a gold chain that can be used or...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Gucci Original Sylvie Shoulder bag 1969 Chocolate Brown Leather & Gold HardwareBy GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGucci original Sylvie shoulder bag from 1969, in chocolate brown leather with gold hardware. The archival inspiration for Gucci's 2019 Sylvie 1969 handbag. This bag is in remarkably ...Category
1960s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Swarovski Crystal Encrusted Mamma Cat & Kitten Evening Handbag Shoulder bagBy Finesse La ModelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLSwarovski crystal rhinestone encrusted mamma cat & kitten evening handbag, shoulder bag. Beautiful jeweled evening bag covered in crystal, gold and...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Walborg Hard Side Embossed Gold Metal Giraffe Design Chain Handle Bag 1970sBy Walborg ItalyLocated in West Palm Beach, FLWalborg Italy 1970s double chain handle hard side evening bag. The bag is round at the front and back and about 2"s in depth. Embossed giraffe design, the bag opens with a tab at the...Category
1970s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Crystal Encrusted Monogram evening clutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber crystal encrusted monogram evening clutch or shoulder bag. This beautiful bag in monogrammed LMJ, in crystal rhinestones set against black rhinestones. The bag frame is...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Schitz Paris Rare Black Crocodile Handbag with Gold Hardware 1953.Located in West Palm Beach, FLSchitz, Paris rare black crocodile frame handbag with gold hardware from 1953. Schitz was a leather goods shop in Paris retailing luggage, handba...Category
1950s French Top Handle Bags
- 1930's Hand Woven Fish Basket Purse Bucket BagLocated in New York, NY1930's hand woven circular fish basket purse with double drop handles to carry in hand or under arm. The bag can also be used to enhance home decor and as a catch all. Beautiful piece.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Shoulder Bags
- Baby Blue Prada PochetteLocated in New York, NYLength: 8 inches Height: 6 inches Depth: 3 inches Material: NylonCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- Moschino gift box bagBy MoschinoLocated in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZHThis Moschino handbag is a rare vintage piece, perfect for the holidays! Made in Italy, the black and red colors with a gorgeous ribbon detailing truly give it the look of a gift. A...Category
1990s European Structured Shoulder Bags
$1,760 - Miu Miu 1999fw chest-rig holster unisex bagBy Miu MiuLocated in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH1999fw Collection's Vintage Miu Miu chest rig, meticulously made with luxurious mesh and supple calf skin leather. Adorned with Miu Miu-branded zippers, it...Category
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Capucine MM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in London, GBIntroducing the mesmerising fusion of luxury and avant-garde artistry - the Louis Vuitton Capucine MM bag, a stunning collaboration with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 22 Mini Shiny Calfskin BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA lovely Chanel 22 Mini Bag. The exterior is crafted in quilted black shiny calfskin leather with gold-tone hardware. It features a gold tone logo in the front, a dangling CC logo me...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags