1980s Judith Leiber Platinum Satin Evening Bag
View Similar Items
1980s Judith Leiber Platinum Satin Evening Bag
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU13091756762
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.
- Valentino Garavani, Minaudière, Evening Bag.By Valentino GaravaniLocated in Palm Beach, FLPerfect condition for this VALENTINO Garavani evening bag. This pink satin bag is embroidered with rhinestones and amethyst beads. The clasp of the bag ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Gold & Clear Swarovski Crystal Casket MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL JUDITH LEIBER Swarovski crystal casket minaudiere in excellent vintage condition. Gold exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals in the signature "casket" style. Push...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Vanity Case Micro Mini 90s Vintage Iridescent Bronze Rare Patent ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Micro Mini 90s Vintage Patent Metallic Bronze Iridescent Vanity Case Rare 1994 [VINTAGE 28 Years} Diamond stitch iridescent patent leather Cl...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Bunny Rabbit MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Bunny Rabbit Minaudiere in excellent condition. Unique and rare rabbit shape with silver cyrstal body, smooth gold face, and gold crystal ears on top....Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Judith Leiber Gold Suede and Swarovski MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Gold Suede and Swarovski Minaudiere in excellent condition. Unique double compartment design. Top compartment has a beige and gold sue...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Judith Leiber Silk Floral Crystal Embroidered Tassel ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Silk Floral Crystal Embroidered Clutch in fair condition. Cream silk with multi color floral embroidery and crystals. Matching cream/beige leather trim and side...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières