Judith Leiber Humpty Dumpty Minaudiere Evening Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Humpty Dumpty Minaudiere Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Malibu, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6061864763
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.
- Anya Hindmarch Bluebell Guilloche & Stingray Duke Clock ClutchBy Anya HindmarchLocated in Glasgow, GBRare Anya Hindmarch Duke Clock clutch from the eponymous brand. Cigarette-box style evening bag made primarily from stingray with sloped, bevelled edges. Structured, rectangular shap...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- MARNI brown latex PVC gold stud leather trim metal frame tote bagBy MarniLocated in Hong Kong, NTMARNI brown latex PVC gold stud leather trim metal frame tote bag Reference: CELG/A00039 Brand: Marni Model: Latex tote Material: Latex, leather Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Cl...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- MARNI stone grey silver lock dual zip pouch chain sport strap crossbody bagBy MarniLocated in Hong Kong, NTMARNI stone grey silver lock dual zip pouch chain sport strap crossbody bag Reference: CELG/A00032 Brand: Marni Model: Dual pouch chain crossbody Mater...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- new VERSACE Vanitas white baroque quilted gold Medusa metal chain crossbody bagBy VersaceLocated in Hong Kong, NTnew VERSACE Vanitas white baroque quilted gold Medusa metal chain crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01474 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: White Vanitas crossbody b...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo natural scaled leather double flap portfolio clutch bagBy CelineLocated in Hong Kong, NTOLD CELINE Phoebe Philo natural scaled leather double flap portfolio clutch bag Reference: JECN/A00024 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Model: Double Flap clutch Material: L...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- DOLCE GABBANA Sicily beige raffia crochet large top handle crossbody bagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Hong Kong, NTDOLCE GABBANA Sicily beige raffia crochet large top handle crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/C01668 Brand: Dolce Gabbana Designer: Domenico Dolce and ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières