Judith Leiber Butter Cream Gathered Crocodile Purse with Tigers Eye Detail
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Butter Cream Gathered Crocodile Purse with Tigers Eye Detail
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.63 in (21.93 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Length: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:crocodile
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU48600672
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.
- Judith Leiber Black Satin Crossbody Bag with Gold Infinity ChainBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAJudith Leiber crossbody bag Black satin with diamond thread pattern Hidden gold snap closure Gold rhinestone infinity chain strap Black satin linin...Category
Late 20th Century Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Cream Quilted Leather Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAChanel crossbody bag Made in Italy Soft cream quilted leather Stitched classic CC logo Front pocket Gold chain strap Strap length: 44 inches Hanging gold ball and leather fringe ...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Black Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag with TassleBy ChanelLocated in Los Angeles, CAChanel crossbody bag Made in Italy Soft black quilted leather Hanging tassel with gold chain and CC logo Gold and leather chain strap that can be stored inside to make bag a clutch...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Bottega Veneta White Crossbody w/ Tan Accent and StrapBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Los Angeles, CABottega Veneta White Crossbody w/ Tan Accent and Strap Measurements: Height - 7 Inches Width - 10.4 Inches Height with Strap - 27.5 InchesCategory
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Elizabeth Mason Couture Black Rhinestone ClutchLocated in Los Angeles, CA'Large' Black Rhinestone Jewel Evening Clutch with Long Chain Measurements: Length: 9 in. Width: 2 in. Height: 6 in.Category
2010s Clutches
- Koret Black Alligator Large Top Handle BagBy KoretLocated in Los Angeles, CAKoret Black Alligator Large Top Handle Bag made in America, comes with attached coin purse and a Kent London pocket Comb. VERY RARE Measurements: Height - 9.5 inches Width - 15 ...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Vintage Beige Quilted Lambskin Camera Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Vintage 70's GUCCI GG White Cream Beige Brown Wood Weekender Supreme Tote BagBy GucciLocated in Malibu, CA🖤Classic Gucci Weekender🖤 The perfect companion for your daily adventures! Easily fits a laptop, or a stash of clothes for a quick weekend getaway! ...Category
1970s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Vintage GUCCI Black Suede Leather GG Gold tone logo Hobo Bag Crossbody Purse BagBy GucciLocated in Malibu, CA🖤1970’s GUCCI Perfection🖤 RARE and coveted black GUCCI Suede Shoulder Bag. Black smooth leather with supple suede and oversized GG hardwa...Category
1970s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Dior Trotter Pink CrossbodyLocated in New York, NYLength: 8 Inches Height: 9 Inches Material: Coated CanvasCategory
1990s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Hermès Limited Edition Constance 18cm Marble Silk PHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA limited edition Hermès Constance 18cm bag. The bag features a rare technique that creates exceptional colours in the silk Orbis design. The exterior ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Novelty Bags
- Hermès Mini Evelyne 16cm Gold Amazone Taurillon Clemence GHWBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA lovely Hermès mini Evelyne handbag. The exterior of this Evelyne bag is crafted from gold Taurillon Clemence leather complemented with gold-tone hardware and white stitching. It fe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags