Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Frame Bag GHW
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Frame Bag GHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Excellent pre-owned condition with the exception of some very minor wear to piping.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 6191-31stDibs: LU2041427833
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.
- RARE Chanel Black Lambskin Leather Classic Cage Woven Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin Leather Classic Cage Woven Chain Flap Bag Made In: Year of Production: 2020 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Lambskin leather Lining: Burgundy Closur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Vintage Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Medium Diana Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Medium Single Flap Diana Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 1994-1996 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: ...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Caviar Leather 10" Medium Double Flap Classic BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Caviar Leather 10" Medium Double Flap Classic Bag with Goldtone Hardware Made In: France Year of Production: 2021 Color: Black, gold Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Caviar leather, metal Lining: Black leather Closure/Opening: Flap top with CC twistlock and snap flap under Exterior Pockets: Half moon patch pocket Interior Pockets: Zipper pocket on top flap, back section under top flap, two wall pockets in middle section, front section Exterior Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition with very light wear to the corners. Interior Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition Includes: Chanel dust...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Vintage Black Patent Hardcase Shoulder/Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Vintage Quilted Black Patent Leather Hardcase Shoulder Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 1989-1991 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Patent leather Lining: Smoo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Petite Boite Chapeau Crossbody BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLouis Vuitton Monogram Petite Boite Chapeau Crossbody Bag Made In: France Color: Brown Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Coate...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Brown Quilted 19 Wallet On Chain WOC Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Brown Quilted 19 Wallet On Chain WOC Crossbody Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2022 Color: Caramel brown Hardware: Goldtone, darkened silver, ruthenium Materials: Lamb...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Spring 2007 Limited Edition Charm Rare Black Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLAmazing clutch from Chanel 2007 Runway. Has been seen on many celebs including Penelope Cruz and Victoria Beckham. Chanel has come out with several similar pieces this past year how...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- 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
$685 Sale Price50% Off - Judith Leiber Exquisite Crystal Encrusted Figural Woman Minaudière circa 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Exquisite crystal encrusted figural woman minaudiere' The opulent gilt metal figural evening bag is designed with an elegant woman's head. Encrusted with contiguous row...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$1,875 Sale Price41% Off - Sergio Rossi Black Suede Evening Shoulder Bag 1980sBy Sergio RossiLocated in Brindisi, BtSergio Rossi 80s vintage elegant bag. Square model rigid with shoulder strap, fabric in velvet, color black with details in color gold. Zip and button closure. Made in Italy. Excelle...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel CC Logo Letter Rare Vintage Black Silk Satin ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLExquisite rare small Chanel black satin silver logo CC letter clutch. This evening clutch is made of satin with a large CC logo made of both silver hardware frame and black quilted ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière Year: 2004 Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 3" Height: 4" Handle Drop: 4" Cl...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches