Judith Leiber Lucite & suede handbag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Lucite & suede handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:suede, Lucite, enamel
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU130609284585
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.
- Bruno Magli Grey Suede & Leather Flap Front Cross Body or Clutch HandbagBy Bruno MagliLocated in West Palm Beach, FLBurno Magli grey suede & leather flap front cross body or clutch handbag. This structured bag has a lot of style, the flap front has an applique of silver metal bars with insets of g...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Lana of London Blond Alligator Clutch or Shoulder BagBy LANA of LondonLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLana of London blond alligator clutch or shoulder bag with a detachable gold box chain. Beautiful light golden blond bag has a flap front with matte gol...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Helene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy 1990sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHelene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy. This beautiful bag is the perfect size for a day of shopping, it will hold all your necessary items and leave your hands...Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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
- Lana of London white envelope lizard clutch gold hardwareBy Lana Marks, LANA of LondonLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLana of London white envelope style lizard clutch with gold hardware. Beautiful bag in textured lizard, matte gold hardware, lined in white leather with...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
- Hermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutchBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes Mustard yellow pebbled leather clutch with silver hardware. Fold over clutch with shaped front, closes with a silver metal disk featuring...Category
20th Century French Clutches
- 1990s Gianfranco Ferre Logo Print Shoulder BagBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in London, GBBlack Gianfranco Ferre Logo Print Shoulder Crossbody bag, waterproof fabric, internal zipped pocket, 2 additional open compartments. The cross body strap is fully adjustable and in black leather Logo tag Measurements: approximately 11.5” wide and 8” high Condition: 1990s vintage like...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton black shoulder bag pochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Capri, ITLouis Vuitton black shoulder bag pochette Marc Jacobs x Louis Vuitton black leather and suede both pochette or shoulder bag embellishe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Boy Lego Clutch Shoulder Bag (Circa 2016)By ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecFirst introduced in 2013 and causing quite the buzz, Chanel's celebrated 'Lego' clutch bag is one of the ultimate pieces for any serious Chanel lover and collector. The bag took its inspiration from classic lego toys adding its own luxurious twist. This lego bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Privée Collection Runway Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Privée Collection Frame Bag is in pristine condition. Considered an extremely rare Runway collectible, this Chanel bag is completely unique. Black quilt...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2002 Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Convertible Clutch Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Bag Year 2002 {Vintage 22 Years} Black nylon canvas with a flap top CC turn-lock closure Leather entwined chain shoulder strap Black metal hardware Carry it as a clutch or shoulder bag Interior has a black fine textile...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Fendi Vintage Leather Bag Convertible in LengthBy FendiLocated in Milano, ITBeautiful vintage bag designed by the great designer Fendi in the 1980s, made in France. The bag has rectangular shape, leather, with a crocodile texture, black color. The bag is sig...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$436 Sale Price73% Off