Judith Leiber Beige Python with Tiger's Eye and Garnet Stones Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2471055722
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Walborg Abstract Hand-Beaded Ivory, Bronze, Gold & Fawn Evening ClutchLocated in New York, NYWalborg of France, wonderfully detailed micro-seed hand-beaded in hues of ivory, bronze, gold and fawn makes for a wonderful combination in this bold abstract optional clutch as...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Walborg Hand-Beaded Micro Seed & Hand-Embrodiered "Floral & Leafs" ClutchLocated in New York, NYWalborg of France wonderful combination of both micro-seed beading as well as hand-stitched silk embroidery in "Floral & Leafs" and accented with micro bugle seed beading alon...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Carlos Falchi Multi-Textured Exotic Skins Coco Brown ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYAs only Carlos Falchi can, This wonderful multi-texture combination of lizard, snake and pylon skin finished with lambskin leather piping along the edges as well as the interi...Category
1980s Spanish Clutches
- 1970s Halston Brown Calfskin Drawstring Pouch BagBy HalstonLocated in New York, NYHalston brown calfskin drawstring bag with accented with detailed top-stitching throughout. His signature logo in gold hardware accents the lower-front. The bag meas...Category
1970s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Bottega Veneta Metallic Gold Lambskin Cross-body Evening Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta wonderfully elegant metallic gold lambskin evening cross-body evening bag has two compartment underneath the front flap. The strap measures 27" in total height...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rare Brooks Multicolored Micro-Seed Double-Purse Beaded PurseLocated in New York, NYBrooks multicolored double-purse has micro-sized seed beading throughout. Hand-beaded in France, patterned with multi-colors of florals. Both purses are attached and fully lined with...Category
1950s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Oscar de la Renta Multicolored Silk Patchwork Evening Bag with Silver HardwareBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta Multi-Colored Patterned Silk Patchwork Evening Bag - SHW. This unique evening bag is multi-colored and has a silver decoration on the front. The strap is removable....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Red Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch Holiday RunwayBy Judith LeiberLocated in Wallkill, NYStunning Clear and Red Swarovski Crystal on this magnificent Judith Leiber Clutch. A must-have for the upcoming holiday season, as well as any black tie event. Runway ready! Gold lea...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Balmain Evening Clutch in Lame Gold Fabric and EmbroideriesBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRStunning Balmain evening clutch. It is entirely handmade in Paris. Work of haute couture. Fabric in lamé gold, embroidered of multi red, gold and black ribbons and squares of mirror ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- French Art Deco Coral Rose Evening Clutch BagLocated in New York, NYFrench Art Deco Anglo Indian evening clutch bag composed of a patchwork of 19th century silk lame sari fabrics of various floral patterns with clasp of a...Category
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Snakeskin and Rose Quartz BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in New York, NYJudith Leiber Snakeskin and Rose Quartz Bag with pastes. Judith Leiber often went to vintage markets to buy antique frames and remount them. This one dates from the 1930's and is set with pastes and rose quartz navette...Category
1990s American Clutches
- 1940s Italian Taupe Alligator Croc Embossed Vintage 40s Leather Handbag PurseLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1940s Italian made alligator / crocodile embossed patent leather bag! Perfect taupe color is great all year, and matches anything. Pale gold hardware, and removable chain strap....Category
1940s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières