Judith Leiber Faberge Egg Minaudiere Clutch Shoulder Bag Swarovski Crystals
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Faberge Egg Minaudiere Clutch Shoulder Bag Swarovski Crystals
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Westlake Village, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU34329319822
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.
- Chanel 2007 Laser Etched Chainmail Metallic Clutch Evening Gala BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLLaser etched metallic leather with silver fold over clasp closure, opens to a three fold wallet. 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Metallic lambskin interior Th...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Chanel 2001 White Logo Vintage Mountaineer Helmet Limited Edition Novelty HatBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2001 White Logo Vintage Mountaineer Helmet Limited Edition Novelty Hat Limited Edition from 2001 Sport Line Collection. White, red and bla...Category
1990s Italian Caps
- Chanel 1997 Runway Vintage Rare Blue Green Clutch Minaudière BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Minaudière Celeste Lucite Beaded Crystal Vintage Rare Blue Green Beads Spring 1997 Green/ blue /white bead design double delicate chains no lining Made in FranceCategory
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2014 Collector's Runway Supermarket Grocery Basket Chain Tote MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel classic silver interwoven chain in the form of a large sized grocery shopping basket Spring 2014 Silver hardware Classic interwoven chain CC Silver Charm Can be used for high fashion or interior decor 8.5" H x 15" W x 11" D Made in France This special bag is a collector's piece. Designed as a supermarket basket...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Turtle MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Turtle Minaudiere in excellent condition. Silver Turtle shape trimmed with black grey silver and clear swarov...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Grey Chevron Stitched Leather CC Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A classic handbag comes with the promise of enduring appeal, boosting your style time and again. This Chanel top handle bag is one such creation. It’s a fine purchase.Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières