Judith Leiber Frog Pillbox, 1984
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Frog Pillbox, 1984
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 0.9 in (2.29 cm)Length: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Missing one crystal, but not noticeable.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16724273583
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.
- Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold & White Diamond CaseBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Scottsdale, AZRare and beautiful 1950s -60s Van Cleef & Arpels 18K 750 Gold case. Features a woven basket pattern with White Diamonds encrusted clasp. Total weight 136 grams Interior features a...Category
1950s Miscellaneous
$9,000 Sale Price25% Off - Hermés Rare 1950s Velvet Riding Helmet & SpursBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZSay hello to this amazing Hermés riding helmet and spurs! Circa 1950s, this extremely rare riding helmet is crafted from soft black velvet and fea...Category
1950s French Other
- Elton John 1988 Sothebys Book CollectionBy Sotheby'sLocated in Scottsdale, AZFashion and music collide in this rare 1988 Sotheby’s Elton John book collection! Dive in to the fashion history of rock legend Elton John with this amazing collection of books that ...Category
1980s British Other
- Chanel SS19 SkateboardLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate Your Ride or Decor game with Chanel’s Limited Edition Skateboard. A part of the French house’s SS19 collection, Chanel has released a luxe skateboard for those looking to add...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
$20,000 - Christian Dior Stussy Folding FanBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Christian Dior Stussy Folding Fan, an extraordinary piece born from the collaboration between two iconic brands. This folding fan features ...Category
2010s Miscellaneous
- Gucci x Bianchi 2011 White City BikeBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZRide in style or elevate your interior space with this amazing Gucci x Bianchi bike! This 2011 collaboration unveiled the exclusive Bianchi by Gucci bi...Category
2010s Italian Decorative Objects
- Fendi Gold/Blue Mink Fur-Trimmed U Initial Bag CharmBy FendiLocated in New York, NYFendi Gold/Blue Mink Fur-Trimmed U Initial Charm Made In: Italy Color: Gold/blue Materials: Metal and mink fur Hallmarks: "Made In Italy" "Fendi" on keyring Closure/Opening: Clas...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Miscellaneous
$145 Sale Price21% Off - Hermes Jimetou Jumping Case Navy / Red Small ModelBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Jimetou Jumping Toiletry case featured in Navy and Red canvas. Blue and Black central band takes inspiration from horse jump...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Hermes Bain Neobain Les Leopard Blue Marine Embossed Large ModelBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an "Hermes Bain" Neobain Les Leopard case featured in the large model. In chic deep Blue Marine with Leopards embossed n front. Top zipper with leather zipper toggl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Other
- Autumn Time chiffon scarf by Melanie Yazzie contemporary yellow pink black blueBy Melanie YazzieLocated in Santa Fe, NMAutumn Time chiffon scarf by Melanie Yazzie contemporary yellow pink black blue Scarf Melanie Yazzie Native American Navajo chiffon Lightweight and easy care chiffon fabric with di...Category
2010s American Scarves
- CHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari LOT OF 5 cateye martini acrylic hair clipLocated in Hong Kong, NTCHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari LOT OF 5 cateye martini acrylic hair clip Reference: ANWU/A00259 Brand: Chic and Mode Designer: Alexandre Zouari Material: Plastic Color: Multicolou...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous
- CHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari sailor nautical tennis hair clip X4Located in Hong Kong, NTCHIC & MODE Alexandre Zouari sailor nautical tennis hair clip X4 Reference: ANWU/A00266 Brand: Chic and Mode Designer: Alexandre Zouari Material: ...Category
2010s French Miscellaneous