Vintage Judith Leiber Rhinestone Evening Trunk Mini Handbag
View Similar Items
Vintage Judith Leiber Rhinestone Evening Trunk Mini Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4491097762
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.
- Louis Vuitton Pochette Voyage MM Monogram Bandana Bleached Blue NEWBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NYLouis Vuitton Pochette Voyage MM Monogram Bandana Bleached Blue NEW WITH TAGS Final SaleCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Gucci X Balenciaga Hourglass Hacker Aria Supreme Canvas GG Logo Small Bag NEWBy GucciLocated in New York, NY100% GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC.PURCHASED BY US DIRECTLY FROM GUCCI AND ORIGINAL E-RECIPT WILL BE INCLUDED TO BUYER Gucci X Balenciaga Hourglass Hacker Aria Supreme Canvas GG Logo Top Handle Bag (Size Small) NEW WITH TAGS Name: Hourglass Color: Beige Style: Crossbody / Top Handle Bag Material: Supreme Coated Canvas Size: Small Top handle strap Detachable shoulder / crossbody strap Gucci x Balenciaga collaboration bag, super super rare B Balenciaga engraved gold front plate Magnetic closure Flap front Inside Balenciaga lining Included:Dust-bag,box ,ribbon ,tags ,mini booklets One of the most sought limited edition...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Louis Vuitton Spring Escape Bandouliere Speedy 20 Pink Black White NEWBy Louis VuittonLocated in New York, NY100% authentic guaranteed New 22 Louis Vuitton Spring Escape Bandouliere Speedy 20 Colors:Pink Black White Rare limited edition 2022 col...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci x Balenciaga Hack Aria GG Hourglass Bag MEDIUM SIZE Limited Collection NEWBy GucciLocated in New York, NY100% authentic guaranteed Gucci x Balenciaga Hack Aria GG Hourglass Bag MEDIUM SIZE Limited Collection NEW with box, dust-bag,ribbon,original receip...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Curiosite Kelly Laque Charm Black / Gold Pendant NEWLocated in New York, NYGuaranteed authentic Hermes Curiosite Kelly Laque charm Black with in Gold tone . Shaped like a Kelly Bag, the charm is beautifully detailed! Desig...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wallets and Small Accessories
- Limited Edition BAPE x READYMADE F/W 2021 Lunchbox Handbag NEW With TagsLocated in New York, NYBAPE x READYMADE Fall/Winter 2021 Collection Limited Edition collaboration with READYMADE and Bape, Readymade is a Japanese label founded by designer Yuta Hosokawa known for its r...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Tweed and Rhinestone Runway Clutch is in pristine condition. Enhanced with ornate crystals and a Lucite clasp, this spectacular piece from the 1990’s is a fantastic addition to any sophisticated collection. Black and white tweed wool blend is adorned with intricate crystal and rhinestone decoration. Gold framed top is capped with a clear Lucite kiss lock clasp evoking a perfume bottle stopper...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Vintage Judith Leiber Tan Lizard ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Tan Lizard Clutch in excellent condition. Tan lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware. Round tiger's eye and garnet glas...Category
1980s Clutches
- RED Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow ClutchBy ValentinoLocated in Philadelphia, PARED Valentino Black Sequin Leather Bow Clutch in excellent condition. Double sided sequin body which changes between black and silver depending...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Herve Leger Black and White Acrylic Chip Fringe ClutchBy Herve LégerLocated in Philadelphia, PAHerve Leger Black and White Acrylic Chip Fringe Clutch in excellent condition. Unique Black and white acrylic small rectangle beads throughout ...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather ClutchBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Tonya Hawkes Purple Metallic Embossed and Laser Cut Leather Clutch in excellent condition. Dark purple leather exterior with a unique geometric embossed pattern and laser cu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized Clutch in excellent condition. Bright red alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and top dark red resin roman cameo...Category
1980s Clutches