Judith Leiber Crystal Minaudiere Evening Clutch With Rose Quartz Cabochon Clasp
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Crystal Minaudiere Evening Clutch With Rose Quartz Cabochon Clasp
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Length: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Gold plated metal frame with handset crystals and metallic gold leather interior.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Tustin, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: AJN1stDibs: LU131537310861
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.
- Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills Snow White's Red Apple Minaudiere Evening BagBy Katherine Baumann, Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAA limited-edition, signed and numbered, Swarovski crystal encrusted, gold-plated metal Snow White's red apple shaped minaudière evening bag purse by Kathrine Baumann, who is the cele...Category
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- Italian Couture Missoni Long Belted Cardigan Sweater Coat with Wide Half SleevesBy MissoniLocated in Tustin, CALong, belted, heavy knitted cardigan sweater coat from couture Italian high end fashion designer, Missoni features a subtle pattern of light and dark gray mohair wool. Sweater has a...Category
1980s Italian Cardigans
$495 Sale Price34% Off - Very Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed Burgundy Leather PurseBy FendiLocated in Tustin, CAVery Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed burgundy russet tone Leather Purse Smartly stylish, extremely roomy estate Fendi purse is large enough to carry ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$960 Sale Price20% Off - Ladies Gucci Deep Cobalt 4" Malaga Kid High Pumps Shoes Size 41 Made in ItalyBy GucciLocated in Tustin, CAClassic GUCCI closed toe, spiked high heeled pumps in Malaga kid leather, "Deep Cobalt" color are size 41, with 95 mm high heels (Approximately 4 inches). Never worn, with original G...Category
2010s Italian High Heels
- S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford White Beaded Snake Skin Print Chain BagBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful white beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads a similar bag was highlighted in the March 2000 issue of U.S. Vogue captured by Raymond Meier...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Silk Gold Rhinestone Camelia Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis stunning Chanel gold satin silk evening bag with gold camellia detail is the perfect accessory for anyone's closet. Featuring a crystal encrusted Camellia, handle drop and small...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rare Chanel Unfolding Octagon Inspired Precious Keepsake Treasure Box Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLRare Chanel Unfolding Octagon Inspired Precious Keepsake Treasure Box Flap Bag Pre-Fall 2022 Collection Champagne Hardware Classic CC turn lock closure and interwoven chain stra...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2014 So Black Egg Carton Supermarket Minaudière Crossbody Jewelry BoxBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Collector's Rare Supermarket Egg Carton Minaudière Jewelry Box Crossbody Novelty Collector's Bag Fall Winter 2014-2015 Ruthenium hardware Classic interwoven chain interlaced with lambskin leather Black Plexiglass Six faux plexiglass eggs in carton clutch with six empty holes Egg carton cushions can store a Chanel accessory...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Rare William De Lillo Jeweled Gilt Metal & Leather Evening BagBy William De LilloLocated in Miami Beach, FLA unique (one of a kind) evening bag by William de Lillo. The off white leather handbag is set within an ornate gilt metal and stone exterior bag. It is comprised of a large oval faux turquoise (robin's egg blue) glass set in a rhinestone frame. On either side of the turquoise is a faux ruby oval cabochon. The stones are in an ornate openwork Byzantine style gilt metal plaques which are attached by gold rings. The top of the bag has a closure that is a chain with 3 large ruby glass stone each set in a gilt metal flower or sun design that hooks onto the other side to seal the bag. There is a matching gilt metal chain strap with the same plaque that decorates the shoulder. An important piece of wearable art by Willian De Lillo in the 1960's. Inside the bag has a hand sewn tag signed WM. de Lillo. Biography according to Gallery24Jewelry: Belgian born designer William De Lillo started his career working for reputable fine jewelry houses such as; Cartier, Harry Winston and Miriam Haskell. before branching out on his own with the help of Robert F. Clark (head designer for Miriam Haskell) forming William De Lillo Ltd. In New York City in 1968. 1968 was a significant time in modern day American History, the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War caused a cultural phenomenon and revolution where students took to the streets to protest war and social and sexual stereotypes. Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, The beatles psychedelic...Category
Mid-20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
$4,000 Sale Price20% Off - S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Grey Beaded Snake Skin Print Chain Flap BagBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful grey beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads and was highlighted in the March 2000 issue of U.S. Vogue with Shalom Harlow captured by Raymond Meier...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières