Judith Leiber Gold Minaudiere Clutch Bag w. Stone Closure & Chain Strap
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Gold Minaudiere Clutch Bag w. Stone Closure & Chain Strap
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 10145-151stDibs: LU2044858993
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.
- Goyard Burgundy Goyardine Monte Carlo Bois Clutch BagBy GoyardLocated in New York, NYGoyard Burgundy Goyardine Monte Carlo Bois Clutch Bag. Please note, this bag does not include the strap. Made In: France Color: Burgundy Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Coated canv...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Chanel Black Lambskin Leather CC Twistlock Clutch BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin CC Twistlock Clutch Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2014 Color: Black Hardware: Darkened silvertone Materials: Lambskin leather Lining: Black silk Closu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull Pochette Wristlet BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull Pochette Wristlet Bag Made In: USA Year of Production: 2020 Color: Brown damier Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Coated...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Pouches and Wristlets
- Hermes Blue Swift Leather H Jige Elan Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Blue Swift Leather Jige Elan Clutch Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2020 Color: Blue Materials: Swift leather Lining: Smooth leather Closure/Opening: Flap top w/slide...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermes Colvert Blue Epsom Leather Kelly Longue Wallet w/ PalladiumBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Blue Leather Kelly Longue Wallet w/ Palladium Made In: France Year of Production: 2014 Color: Colvert blue Hardware: Silvertone palladium M...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets
- Chanel 2020 Blue/White/Black Nylon Maxi Scarf Chanel 19 Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Blue/White/Black Nylon Maxi Scarf Chanel 19 Flap Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2020 Color: Blue, white, black, pink Hardware: Goldtone, silvertone, ruthenium Materi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$4,400 Sale Price20% Off
- Hermes Constance Long To Go Wallet Beton Matte Alligator Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Constance LongTo Go Wallet featured in coveted Beton Matte Alligator. This stunning neutral Constance To Go is accentuated with Gold hardware. Detachable crossbody / shoulder strap converts this gorgeous Constance Long To Go...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermes Cinhetic To Go Wallet Mauve S Bag Clutch Crossbody Chamkila Mysore ChevreBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers a guaranteed authentic Hermes Cinhetic To Go Wallet clutch / shoulder/ crossbody bag. Exquisite Mauve Sylvestre in coveted Chamkila My...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Vintage 1990 Alligator Skin Leather Classic Flap Bag Convertible ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSmall black Chanel crocodile envelope flap with vintage chain 1990 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Vintage gold hardware Interior black leather lining Crocodile...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Olympia Le Tan 'Chalk' box blue pink white black felt book beaded clutch bagLocated in Paris, FROlympia Le Tan 'Chalk' bag Fabric box style bag with felt detail Flap closure Long bead shoulder strap that can be worn across body In very good condition Size: 5 3/4" x 4.5" x 1....Category
2010s Unknown Clutches
- Rare 1980s Fendi Snakeskin Crossbody BagBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZIncredible 1980s Fendi snakeskin clutch handbag in grey and red with grey leather accents. Fully lined interior with zip pocket. Tuck in the long strap...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Judith Leiber Wine & Back Snakeskin Mini Clutch Shoulder Bag Silver HardwareBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber wine & black snakeskin mini clutch or shoulder bag with silver hardware. Flap front bag with silver metal band at flap. Perfect for cocktails or any special occasion. L...Category
1980s American Clutches