Judith Leiber Vintage Embroidered Shoulder Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Vintage Embroidered Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Embroidered Fabric, Diamanté
- Condition:Pre-owned, very good condition Light usage, with minor signs of wear-and-tear.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DB6JL1stDibs: AU12112333693
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.
- Chanel Chain Detailed ClutchBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis edgy chain detailed clutch from Chanel comes from their Fall 2017 collection. For this collection, the runway Karl Lagerfeld transformed the...Category
2010s Clutches
- Vintage 1950s Aqua Blue Beaded HandbagLocated in London, GBA truly prized vintage handbag from the 1950s. Dazzlingly in its shimmering textures, its evocatively rippled pattern of aqua blue beads is offset with a gold-tone frame. Its top cla...Category
1950s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel feather clutch bagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCovered in an array of wispy feathers to create a beautiful movement, This pre-owned Chanel clutch from the years 2000- 2002 is the perfect accessory for a glamorous night out. Sized for just essentials, this beautiful bag features metallic gold trims...Category
Early 2000s European Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Green Barrel MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis unique green stingray barrel clutch from Chanel is expertly crafted in France. It features a top clasp fastening, an internal mirror, an embossed logo, an eye-catching and colo...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Gondola Lift Minaudière Clutch Bag 2019By ChanelLocated in London, GBThis exquisite clutch is part of the exclusive Fall/Winter Runway 2019 Limited Edition collection, featuring a stunning gondola design in a beautiful White/Silver colour scheme. The ...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Film Projector Minaudière Clutch Bag 2016By ChanelLocated in London, GBThis is a Limited Edition Pre-Fall 2016 Runway Rome Mètiers D'Art Minaudière that features a unique and eye-catching film projector design. It also comes with a strap, as well as a s...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded FrameBy KoretLocated in Gresham, OR1950s Koret Champagne Seed Pearl Encrusted Evening Clutch w Pearl Studded Frame: Pristine condition with satin lining, and original box. Medium size purse...Category
1950s American Clutches
- 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
$606 Sale Price29% Off - 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 - Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950sBy ElginLocated in University City, MOOpulent mother of pearl crystal encrusted evening bag- compact case designed by Eligin c 1950s The elegant evening purse - cosmetic case is designed with exotic mother of pearl tiles throughout the exterior The lid cover is encrusted with collection of aquamarine glittering crystals accented with a floral motif in the center. The interior is designed with a pair of rouge & face powder compartments. The gilt metal lid covers are adorned with art deco style leaping gazelles Paired with a brown cloth carrying case suspended from a hand strap The elegant case may be carried as a chic clutch style purse separately without the carrying case Designed by Eligin American Measurements: The length of the mother of pearl case...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
$375 Sale Price21% Off - Saks Fifth Avenue Italian Python Handbag Circa 1980By Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue Sleek Italian python handbag c 1980s The versatile handbag transitions from a chic clutch Converts to a stylish shoulder bag carried with the gilt metal shoulder st...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Clutches
$375 Sale Price21% Off - Hervé Leger Rare Multifaceted Minaudière Metallic Grey Metal and Leather ClutchBy Herve LégerLocated in Miami, FLHervé Leger Rare Multifaceted Minaudière Metallic Grey Metal and Leather Clutch Gunmetal hardware Black leather Multi-faceted metal geometric shape Herve Legerl logo engraved on lat...Category
2010s Clutches