Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch/Crossbody Convertible Evening Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch/Crossbody Convertible Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 5186-431stDibs: LU2042564223
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.
- Chanel 2022 Denim Quilted 19 Wallet On Chain WOC Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel 2022 Denim Quilted 19 Wallet On Chain WOC Crossbody Bag. This bag has a microchip and was not made with a hologram sticker or authenticity card. Made In: Italy Year of Produ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Balenciaga Metallic Pink Embossed Crocodile Hourglass Mini Top Handle BagBy BalenciagaLocated in New York, NYBalenciaga Metallic Pink Embossed Crocodile Hourglass Mini Top Handle Bag. Features detachable chain strap. Made In: Italy Color: Metallic pink Hardware: Aged silvertone Materials:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger 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
- 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
- Sacs Louis Vuitton Thompson Street BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bilbao, ESLouis Vuitton Red Vernis Thompson Street Red Charming "Thompson Street Bag" shoulder bag in red monogram patent leather, adjustable strap in natural leather allowing the bag to be worn in the hand or on the shoulder. Snap button closure under flap. Lining in red leather, one patch pocket. Collection: Thompson Street Bag Model: Thompson Street Bag Gender: Woman Color: Red Material: Leather Length: 27cm 10,62 inches Height: 21.5 cm 8,46 inches Width: 3 cm 1,18 inches PRADERA Fashion Division...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
$592 Sale Price20% Off - Chanel Classic Flap Clutch Gabrielle Brasserie Menu Burgundy Black Lambskin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLBrasserie Gabrielle Menu Classic Flap Clutch is sold out everywhere. A beautiful and elegant piece for a Chanel collector.Category
2010s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- PRADA Exotic Red XL Evening Clutch BagBy PradaLocated in Switzerland, CHA PRADA signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! A truly luxurious and elegant piece Prada long clutch with silver-tone hardware Logo ador...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
$899 Sale Price40% Off - 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
$607 Sale Price29% Off - Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" Evening Clutch Box BagBy Renaud PellegrinoLocated in Geneva, CHPerfect for evenings when you only need the essentials, this Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" embellished box clutch is made from black satin silk and decorated with metal studs. In fact, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Crystal Jeweled Frog Minaudière c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Endearing crystal jeweled minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The beguiling frog is encrusted with elaborate tiny glittering diamante crystals. Adorned with green glass cabochon eyes; accented with gilt metal grooved eye brows The frog's back is embellished with clusters of amethyst; jade green & jet black small glass color cabochons scattered throughout the rows of contiguous brilliant diamante crystals The endearing frog's posture creates the appearance of being on the verge of leaping away... The legs, brows & sides are sheathed in shiny polished gilt metal. The clasp mechanism is distinguished with a green glass opaque cabochon The versatile design transitions from an opulent clutch; converts into an elegant shoulder bag suspended from a sinuous gilt metal chain strap Makes an exquisite accessory for holidays, weddings or any special formal occasions. The charming design merges elegance & whimsy brilliantly The interior is lined in gold metallic foil inscribed on a gilt metal plaque: Judith Leiber. Paired with a gilt metal vanity comb engraved Judith Leiber Measurements The length from the frog's nose to the back edge measures 4.5 inches. The width across the base of the center section measures 3 inches approximately The drop length from top of the chain strap to the base of the frog's extended back leg measures 23.25 inches The jeweled evening bag rest...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$2,200 Sale Price21% Off