Judith Leiber Ivory and Gold Patterned Clutch
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Ivory and Gold Patterned Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 1 in (2.54 cm)Length: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Bridgehampton, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 5096-11stDibs: LU20121099682
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.
- Bottega Veneta Small Purple Strap with front pocket.By Bottega VenetaLocated in Bridgehampton, NYBottega Veneta Small Purple Strap with front pocket. Great condition very gently used clean inside. Small mark on top near outside zipper. Bottega is best known for its signature wo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Gucci Women´s Denim Fabric Skirt SuitBy GucciLocated in Bridgehampton, NYGucci Women´s Denim Fabric Skirt Suit with From Buckle PocketsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirt Suits
Sold$1,450 - Dolce & Gabbana Women´s Embroidered Off-White Long Sleeve DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Bridgehampton, NYDolce & Gabbana Women´s Embroidered Off-White Long Sleeve Dress with Black Vinyl Appliqué at Back and Collar. Size 42Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Emporio Armani Women´s Gray Pants Short Pleated PocketsBy EMPORIO ARMANI EA7Located in Bridgehampton, NYEmporio Armani Women´s Gray Pants Short Pleated PocketsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pleated Pants
- Emanuel Ungaro Jacket Embroidered with Flowers Sequined SkirtBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Bridgehampton, NYA classic 2 pieces Emanuel Ungaro, Jacket Embroidered with flowers sequined skirt.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Skirt Suits
- Narciso Rodriguez Seafoam Pleated Ruffle Dress Size 6By Narciso RodriguezLocated in Bridgehampton, NYClassy Pleated Ruffle Gray Silk Dress from Narciso Rodriquez. Spaghetti Structure with V-Neck.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Unlabelled Paco Rabanne for Walberg gold and silver discs bag, circa 1960By Walborg, Paco RabanneLocated in London, GBThe aesthetic of this bag not only mirrors the linear forms so often associated with technology. But also symbolises the clean-edged aggressiveness of the sexual revolution of the 1...Category
1960s Hong Kong Evening Bags and Minaudières
$605 Sale Price29% Off - Balenciaga Leather Logo Documents Clutch (485112)By BalenciagaLocated in Montreal, QuebecCOLOR: Black MATERIAL: Calfskin leather ITEM CODE: 485112 1072 y 528147 MEASURES: H 10.5” x L 15.25” COMES WITH: Dust bag, care card CONDITION: Excellent - pristine and never used. L...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Beige Linen and Silver ClutchBy Carlos FalchiLocated in Alford, MACarlos Falchi convertible clutch in a natural linen fabric overlaid with an applied off center silver grid. A thin silver leather strap converts the clutch Into to a shoulder bag. Zi...Category
1980s Unknown Clutches
- Judith Leiber Embellished White Karung ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Alford, MAWhite karung clutch by Judith Leiber featuring a jeweled frame rectangular goldtone frame. Narrow karung strap converts the clutch to a shoulder bag. Int...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Patchwork Clutch with Bakelite FrameLocated in Alford, MAClutch in the deepest gray soft leather featuring a central patchwork panel of leaves in varied complementary colors. Carved bakelite frame and hinged clasp.Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
$260 Sale Price20% Off - Celestina Stingray Wood Clutch Evening BagLocated in Water Mill, NYCelestina Vintage Stingray Wood Clutch Evening Bag with Little MirrorCategory
20th Century Philippine Clutches
$500 Sale Price41% Off