Judith Leiber Black Lizard Kelly Handbag Vintage
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Kelly Handbag Vintage
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Style:modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Lizard and gold tone hardware
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. it is like never used or worn. There are no smells on the inside.
- Seller Location:North Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2512989842
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.
- Alexander McQueen Silk Satin De Manta ClutchBy Alexander McQueenLocated in North Miami, FLThis never used stunning Alexander McQueen De Manta clutch is silk satin with the folded details and magnetic closures with zippered ...Category
1990s British Clutches
- Swarovski Crystal Beaded Calfskin Leather ClutchBy Daniel SwarovskiLocated in North Miami, FLThis stunning Daniel Swarovski crystal beaded clutch has tan buff calfskin leather with a light purple silk interior. The front is all crystals while the back is the tan supple leath...Category
Early 2000s Austrian Clutches
- Diamond Patterned Brown Alligator Clutch Mid Century ModernLocated in North Miami, FLThis lovely mid century modern diamond patterned alligator clutch has gold toned hardware and closure. The different tones of brown supple alligator leather make this textural with i...Category
1950s American Clutches
- Gucci Python Black Brown Hysteria Large BagBy GucciLocated in North Miami, FLThis large Gucci python bag can also be used for a travel bag. It is a top handle. The python is a mix of black and brown combination. This was done b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Luggage and Travel Bags
- Vintage MCM Orange Leather and Gold Plated Tassel Hand BagBy MCM Munchen, MCMLocated in North Miami, FLThis fabulous top handled vintage original MCM orange pebbled leather and gold plated embellished hand bag has 2 long leather tassels. The gold acted embell...Category
1970s German Top Handle Bags
- Ralph Lauren Turquoise Python Arm and Shoulder Bag With Bone LIke Top HandleBy Ralph LaurenLocated in North Miami, FLThis ultra gorgeous and chic Ralph Lauren turquoise python arm and shoulder bag has a top handle made out of bone like material. The handle is embellished with small silver studs and...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Silk Purse HandbagBy ChanelLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Vintage 90s Chanel black silk purse handbag. - Silver CC hardware kiss lock closure. - Leather interior. - One interior zip closure pocket. One...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Valentino Garavani, Black Alligator, Top-Handle Bag, Gold Tone Hardware, 1960sBy Valentino GaravaniLocated in Kingston, NYValentino Garavani, Black Alligator, Top-Handle Bag, Gold Tone Hardware, 1960s Good condition.Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Sequin Fendi Logo BaguetteBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow stopping Fendi monogram baguette covered in sequins! This stunning handbag features a plethora of navy, silver and ruby brown sequins alongside brown leather and metal Fendi engraved hardware complimented by a navy sherpa handle. Could this bag get any more unique?! This is the perfect statement piece thats begging to be added to your baguette collection. Shine bright on a night out and pair this with your favorite YSL evening dress and Versace pumps or elevate your casual brunch look by marrying this with some vintage Levis...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- CHANEL Black Lambskin Quilted Leather Gold Top Handle Evening Kelly Flap BagsBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1996 Collection Lambskin Leather Gold Tone Hardware Leather Lining Mini Bag Measures 5.5" W x 4.25" H x 2.5" D Mini Bag Handle Drop 2.75" Medium Ba...Category
Late 20th Century Top Handle Bags
- CHANEL Black Yellow Stitch Lambskin Gold Evening Kelly Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2005 Collection Lambskin Leather Cross Stitching Leather Lining Measures 9.75" W x 7.5" H x 3.5" D Handle Drop 2.75" Includes Authenticity Card 100% ...Category
Late 20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Art Deco Bag with Black Yellow Red Green Mauve Beads and Cream Celluloid FrameLocated in London, GBLovely Art Deco bag with black, yellow, red, green and mauve beads and a cream celluloid frame. Measuring maximum width 16 cm / 6.29 inches and height 17 ...Category
1930s Evening Bags and Minaudières