Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Floral Print Mini Minaudiere W/ Tassel Rope Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Floral Print Mini Minaudiere W/ Tassel Rope Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Width: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 9859-81stDibs: LU7685103851
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.
- Philip Treacy Red and Gold Pattern Print with Tassel Clutches HandbagBy Philip TreacyLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Vintage 90s Philip Treacy red and gold pattern print clutches handbag. Rare and one of a kind! - Attached with a red tassel. - Gold toned hardware "Philip Treacy" lock closure. ...Category
1990s Unknown Clutches
- Gloria Rovere Hand painted clutch size UniqueLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITUnique piece Hand painted Pressed vegetal fiber Multicolored pattern Cm 17 x 11 x 45 (6.69 x 4.33 x 1.77 inches) With dustbagCategory
2010s Italian Clutches
- Bottega Veneta New Almond Teen PouchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in West Hollywood, CABottega Veneta new very sought after almond beige teen pouch. Comes with booklet and original dust cover.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Fendi NIB Burgundy Zipped Wallet W/StudsBy FendiLocated in West Hollywood, CAFendi new burgundy leather key case /zipped wallet with colorful studs . Box and original dustcover.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Valentino Snake, Lizard and Calf ClutchBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYVintage Valentino Snake, Lizard and Calf Clutch from the 1980's with signature "V" motif in brown snakeskin appliqued on yellow lizard with yellow calf...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Cles Key Pouch Red Suhali Leather 859356By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 4.72 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 12 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 2.55 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 6.5 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 0.39 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 1 cm(approx) ...Category
20th Century Clutches