1970s Judith Leiber Zig Zag Patchwork Exotic Skin Handbag/Clutch
View Similar Items
1970s Judith Leiber Zig Zag Patchwork Exotic Skin Handbag/Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Width: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Length: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Patchwork clutch made of snake skin, suede, patent leather and leather.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU43032110493
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.
- Asian Figure Motif Brocade Clutch with Painted Figures Tile Top 1930sLocated in Water Mill, NYA stunning silk brocade clutch with intricately painted tiles of people along the top. The patterned brocade has Asian figures, birds and flowers in beige, olive, orange and brown. ...Category
1930s Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Large "Shades of Browns" Multi Skin ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYCarlos Falchi Signature multi "shades of browns" multi skins such as snake and lizard makes for a wonderful clutch. The sides are finished with embossed calfskin for...Category
1980s Spanish Clutches
- Tom Ford Crystal-Embellished Mini Clutch BagBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBA stunning crystal-embellished mini clutch bag by Tom Ford. This clutch features crystal-embellished soft goatskin leather and contrasting silver-tone ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
$3,002 Sale Price25% Off - Parisi Vintage Black Leather Clutch BagLocated in Milano, ITVintage black leather clutch bag designed by Parisi in the 1990s, made in Italy. The clutch bag is entirely made of black leather, clutch ...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
$219 Sale Price20% Off - HERMES Mini Clutch in Blue Celadon LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermès mini clutch in blue celadon leather. Worn on the shoulder or by hand. Length of the handle: 62 cm Stamp S from private sales, made in Franc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- New in Box Louis Vuitton Escale Limited Edition Puchettes Clutch Bag - Set of 3By Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton sold out worldwide Escale set of three clutches with tie die monogram design. 2020 collection. Comes with dust cover and box.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches