Gold Judith Leiber Embellished Heart Clutch
View Similar Items
Gold Judith Leiber Embellished Heart Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14722237873
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.
- Gold Jimmy Choo Metallic Evening BagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in New York, NYGold Jimmy Choo Metallic Evening Bag. This evening bag features an embossed metallic body, gold-tone hardware, chain-link fringe trim at body, a single crossbody strap, and a top cab...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Red Roger Vivier Satin ClutchBy Roger VivierLocated in New York, NYRed Roger Vivier Satin Clutch. This clutch features a satin body, gold-tone hardware, and a jewel-embellished top clasp closure. 10.75" L x 5" H x 1" D.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Vintage White & Black MCM Monogram ClutchBy MCMLocated in New York, NYVintage White & Black MCM Monogram Clutch. This clutch features a monogram leather body, gold-tone hardware, and a front flap closure. 10.25" L x 8.5" H x 1.5" D.Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
$276 Sale Price20% Off - Red Valentino Rockstud ClutchBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYRed Valentino Rockstud Clutch. This clutch features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, an optional wristlet strap, and front flap closure. 11" L x 6.5" H x 1.25" D, 6.5" handle drop.Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
- Pink Roger Vivier Satin Crystal-Embellished ClutchBy Roger VivierLocated in New York, NYPink Roger Vivier Satin Crystal-Embellished Clutch. This clutch features a satin body, silver-tone hardware, a Strass crystal-embellished buckle adornment at front, and a top clasp c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
- Grey & Multicolor Edie Parker Acrylic ClutchBy Edie ParkerLocated in New York, NYGrey & Multicolor Edie Parker Acrylic Clutch. This clutch features an acrylic body, silver-tone hardware, a shell motif at the front side, optional chain-link shoulder strap, and a t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Minaudiere gold Moscow lion head clutch Swarovski crystals evening bagLocated in Miami, FLLimited edition Moscow gold Lion head clutch Year: 2008 handmade incrusted crystals on the lion’s head, gold plated metal and gold leather. silk lining. kisslock closure collecto...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Chanel Minaudière Evening Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Rare Cc Charm Gold ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Gold Rare Evening CC Charm Clutch Gold hardware Metallic gold-tone lambskin leather vintage Single wristlet strap at side Three pockets at exterio...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Gold Tweed Couture Collection Kiss Lock Mini BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Gold Tweed Kiss Lock Bag is in excellent condition. Petite and feminine, this mini features a silver frame with kiss lock clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- TYLER ELLIS Jamie Clutch Small Gold Ostrich Leg Gold HardwareBy Tyler EllisLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Jamie Clutch is a structured square clutch with an optional cross-body chain and interior pocket. It features our slide-lock closure and signature Thayer blue satin lining. Siz...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.By Judith LeiberLocated in Buchanan, MIJudith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.Category
20th Century Clutches
- Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.Located in Buchanan, MIAnimal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.Category
20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières