1980's Judith Leiber Python Handbag
View Similar Items
1980's Judith Leiber Python Handbag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)Length: 2.76 in (7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU22821471173
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.
- 1990s Chanel Black Lambskin Classic Single Flap Double Twin BagsBy ChanelLocated in Toronto, OntarioMore is more! This set of Chanel medium and small twin bags from the 1990s is fabulous. Both bags are the quilted lambskin in the classic Chanel single flap shape. Leather top handle...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Late 1950s Rosenfeld Black Satin Circle Handle Evening BagLocated in Toronto, OntarioLate 1950's Twifaille by Rosenfeld black satin evening bag. The circular handle has gold and rhinestone embellishments along the inside that play up the rounded shape of this bag. Th...Category
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Ungaro Green and Black Bag Patterned Leather with TasselsBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Emanuel Ungaro evening/dinner bag. Gorgeous green and black patterned leather with contrasting gold tone hardware. Flap front with snap closure. Black twisted ribbon shoulder s...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Paloma Picasso White and Gold BagBy Paloma PicassoLocated in Toronto, OntarioPaloma Piccaso small white leather bag from the 1980s. Gold tone hardware and very substantial 21" shoulder/crossbody chain brightly contrasts ...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Judith Leiber Black Evening Bag with Greek Key DetailsBy Judith LeiberLocated in Toronto, OntarioThis 1990s Judith Leiber frame style evening bag will take you from a date night dinner to a black tie event. This bag features black textured ripple effect silk that is ruched. The frame is covered in black silk with silver tone metal greek key details that are embellished with tiny rhinestones. Square silver, black and rhinestone push button clasp. Black silk interior with a matching small black and silver coin purse...Category
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Judith Leiber Large Black and Gold Evening ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Toronto, OntarioJudith Leiber large art deco style evening clutch from the late 1980s. Black imprinted simulated reptile with gathering and pleats that add texture. Contrasting gold tone metal hardware and a large oval cabochon at closure. Black satin interior with original matching black satin, kiss lock change purse...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Saks Fifth Avenue Gilt Metal Butterfly Minaudière Evening Bag c 1970sBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in University City, MOSaks Fifth Avenue Opulent gilt metal butterfly minaudiere' c 1970s The elegant evening bag is adorned with an etched butterfly motif on the front The stylized butterfly is shiny poli...Category
1970s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage J Renee Bronze / Gold HandbagLocated in London, GBA chic vintage handbag by J Renee. In a soft bronze colour the handbag has an internally detachable strap and so can be used as a clutch bag or handbag. Measur...Category
1960s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Balmain Evening Clutch in Lame Gold Fabric and EmbroideriesBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRStunning Balmain evening clutch. It is entirely handmade in Paris. Work of haute couture. Fabric in lamé gold, embroidered of multi red, gold and black ribbons and squares of mirror ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Rosenfeld Embossed Gold Metal Evening BagBy Harry Rosenfeld, RosenfeldLocated in Alford, MARosenfeld c.1960s evening bag with chain of gold metal metal molded in a quilted and wave design. A gold metal triangular clasp, echoed on the rever...Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Metallic Gold Lambskin Drawstring and Detailed Floral Top-Stitching Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYElegant and whimsical metallic gold lambskin drawstring shoulder bag is detailed with floral-design topstitching. The interior is lined in black. Drawstring as well as the should...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Valentino Garavani Vintage Embroidered Leather Clutch PurseBy ValentinoLocated in Nice, FRVALENTINO GARAVANI vintage embroidered leather clutch purse featuring gold tone hardware, faux ivory, crystal and glass cabochon embellishement. ...Category
20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
$509 Sale Price20% Off