Judith Leiber Cream Snake Stone Evening Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Cream Snake Stone Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 2221-121stDibs: LU2592955883
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.
- Larisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLarisa Barrera Metallic Beaded Evening bag. The bag is completely covered in sequins and beads in metallic hues. The bag is silver hardware with clasp c...Category
2010s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Salvatore Ferragamo Silver Mesh Bag and ClutchBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Salvatore Ferragamo silver mesh bag is a stunning, unique piece. Its entirety is mesh with a frame top and it has a removable shoulder strap. The piece i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian 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 Pale Peach with Black Beaded Design HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber pale peach with black beaded design handbag or clutch. Matching change purse included. Handle drop 19".Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Judith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with RhinestonesBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Olive Satin Evening Bag & Clutch with Rhinestones. This bag is in very good condition with light wear. It has a long gold strap that can be removed. Measurements: ...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Marino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990'sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMarino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990's. This bag is a timeless piece that is just a trendy now as it was in the 90's. It features a long lea...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog MiniaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Vintage Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Nude Tan Jeweled Shoulder Bag or ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in San Diego, CAStunning vintage JUDITH LEIBER nude python shoulder bag or clutch and matching tasseled comb (can even be worn as a crossbody)! Signature Lieber silhouette that snaps shut to keep ev...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Felix Rey New York Gold Mesh Pink White Clutch Bag with Leopard Print LiningLocated in London, GBWonderful Felix Rey New York gold mesh clutch bag with pink and white ikat weave edging, and a double magnetic closure. Measuring width 22.8 cm / 8.9 inche...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Fendi Blush Mink & Leather Small First BagBy FendiLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Fendi Blush Mink & Leather Small First Bag SKU: 122058 MSRP: 5500.00 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: E...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Italian Crystal Encrusted Oval Tassel Minaudière circa 1980sLocated in University City, MOItalian crystal encrusted oval tassel evening clutch c 1980s The elegant gilt metal minaudière is embellished with rows of glittering glass crystals on the front exterior A sinuous...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières