Judith Leiber Crystal Briefcase Minaudiere
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Crystal Briefcase Minaudiere
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104218221922
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.
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Rose Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag ClutchLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Pink Red Swarovski Crystal Rose Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with pink and red swarovski crystals in rose print and...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
$2,080 Sale Price20% Off - Judith Leiber Dark Red Satin Silk and Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Judith Leiber vintage satin and swarovski crystal evening bag clutch in excellent condition. Dark red pinched textured style satin silk exterior trimmed with gold and silve...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Tonya Hawkes Purple Floral Leather Cut Out Box Evening Shoulder BagBy Tonya HawkesLocated in Philadelphia, PATonya Hawkes Purple Floral Leather Cut Out Box Evening Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Metallic purple leather with striped purple and gold snakeskin edges. Front side complet...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Gold Filigree Swarovski Crystal Box Minaudiere evening bag clutchBy Judith LieberLocated in Philadelphia, PAStunning Judith Leiber Vintage gold box minaudiere in very good vintage condition. Gold structured box exterior trimmed with clear swarovski crystals...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware and pearl top push b...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk TasselBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk Tassel in excellent condition. Black suede exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black sw...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Minaudière Evening Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Rare Cc Charm Gold ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Mini Vintage 1997 Metallic Gold Rare Evening CC Charm Clutch Gold hardware Metallic gold-tone lambskin leather vintage Single wristlet strap at side Three pockets at exterio...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Andrea Pfister Gold & Silver Leather Disk Handbag, 1980'sBy Andrea PfisterLocated in Atlanta, GADisco Days! This 1980's Andrea Pfister shiny gold and silver leather round handbag is reminiscent of a pastille ... sweet and petite! The long multi s...Category
1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Ingber 1960s Evening Box BagLocated in Alford, MA1960s Ingber box-shaped bag in black featuring a rope top handle and a jeweled clasp. Open to reveal a red interior with side compartment. Plenty of room for phone and essentials.Category
1960s American 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
- 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
- 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