Judith Leiber Snakeskin Handbag with Frog Hardware
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Snakeskin Handbag with Frog Hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU120914169796
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.
- Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Azur Rare Hat Trunk Case 40cmBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order hat trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. Whe...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- New Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Alzer Damier Azur Rare Travel Trunk 70cmLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe special order trunk takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House. When not in use for your travels, it would make a wonderful accent to any home. Designed for a variety of uses. If you open the Louis Vuitton official website, you will find its price is unavailable, which reveals you that in fact these trunk can not be collected on line nor in store. From the purest tradition of travel, the famous Alzer suitcase is one of the Louis Vuitton emblems...Category
Early 2000s French Suitcases and Trunks
- Celestina Stingray Wood Clutch Evening BagLocated in Water Mill, NYCelestina Vintage Stingray Wood Clutch Evening Bag with Little MirrorCategory
20th Century Philippine Clutches
$500 Sale Price41% Off - John Galliano for Christian Dior Light Blue Logo Oblique Tote Bag with "2"By Christian Dior, John GallianoLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILChristian Dior light blue logo oblique tote bag designed by John Galliano with iconic number "2".Category
Early 2000s Tote Bags
- Chanel 90's Vintage Sport Water Bottle Waist Fanny Pack Exercise Gym BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 90's Vintage Sport Water Bottle Waist Fanny Pack Gym Bag 1997-1999 Silver hardware Reflective sporty grey-silver nylon Adjustable logo waist strap Snap logo CC buckle closure...Category
1990s French Novelty Bags