1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch
View Similar Items
1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Length: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2282790482
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.
- 1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Toronto, OntarioKnown for her exquisite use of exotic skins, this 1980s patchwork multi-skin brown and black geometric over-sized clutch with punch clasp by Leiber is a must have. The clutch has a f...Category
1980s American Clutches
- 1970s Hermes 'Mephisto" Brown Leather Bag/ClutchBy HermèsLocated in Toronto, OntarioVery early 1970s Hermes bag. Butter soft chocolate brown leather with warm gold hardware. Total brown top stitching. Shoulder/cross body strap can be ...Category
1970s French Shoulder Bags
- 1980s Rodo Black Satin Clutch with Metal Bow DetailBy RodoLocated in Toronto, OntarioRed carpet ready stunning black satin clutch by Italian designer, Rodo. Silver metal bow detail at clasp. Clean interior with Rodo logo lining. Hidden 23" lo...Category
1880s Italian Clutches
- 1980s Rodo Pewter Minaudiere Clutch with Faux Granite DetailingBy RodoLocated in Toronto, OntarioPewter hard case minaudiere Rodo clutch dating from the 1980s with interesting faux granite detailing at clasp. Light wear throughout. Metallic silver leat...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- 1990s Alaïa Maroon Leather PortfolioBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Toronto, OntarioSleek and chic supple polished maroon leather Alaïa portfolio from the 1990s. Rectangular with a large front flap that closes with two large interior ma...Category
1990s French Clutches
- 1960s Black Resin Rhinestone Embellished Evening ClutchLocated in Toronto, OntarioElegant and sleek 1960s black resin rounded rectangle evening clutch. Interesting swivel claw closure, embellished with rhinestones. Clean black velvet interior. Fits an iPhone. Exce...Category
1960s Unknown Clutches
- Faux Tortoise Shoulder Bag/Clutch, c.1980sLocated in Alford, MAConvertible clutch in faux tortoise shell features a textured goldtone clasp and gold chain. The chain folds away to convert to a clutch. Fabric interior with side compartment. Made ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Escada Forest Green Lizard Skin Shoulder Bag with Removable StrapsBy EscadaLocated in New York, NYEscada's wonderfully detailed forest green lizard skin flap-over shoulder bag is accented with removable shoulder straps for used as a clutch if desire. The shoulder straps...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
$1,385 Sale Price45% Off - Gucci Velveteen Monogram Bag, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe classic Gucci monogram bag! Black and brown monogram all over print on velveteen fabric. Black leather piping and interior. “GG” gold metallic clasp- push from the top and bottom...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2006 Vintage Velvet & Patent Camellia No. 5 Shoulder Clutch Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel No. 5 Vintage Black Velvet and Patent Leather Camellia Shoulder Bag circa 2006 black velvet velvet effect floral appliqué logo patch to the front...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and BagBy Stuart WeitzmanLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Black & Gold Embossed Alligator Calfskin Clutch/ Shoulder BagBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYCarlos Falchi wonderful black and metallic gold embossed alligator calfskin clutch has the option to use as a shoulder bag as well if desired. Black lizard skin is detailed on...Category
1980s American Shoulder Bags