Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)Length: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16722727503
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog MiniaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Chanel Black Beaded Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZComplete your evening look with this stunning Chanel bag! Circa 1997-1999, this boxy evening bag is crafted from black satin and features a black beaded motif on both sides, a black ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1970s Nurhan Blue Leather Shoulder BagLocated in Scottsdale, AZBeautiful 1970's Nurhan shoulder bag crafted of richly smooth calfskin leather in Blue.The bag features a 3 beautiful Leaf design in blue python. A reinforced leather strap with gold hardware, which is detachable. This bag has a gold top closure with python detail. Perfect day to night bag...Category
1970s Turkish Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Emilio Pucci Rhinestone Evening BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most adorable Emilio Pucci evening bag! Black satin fabric with signature Pucci swirls striped down the front. Two small accent buckles encrusted with crystalline rhinestones. Ex...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Spring 1997 Micro Mini MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZA beautiful vintage Chanel Spring 1997 find! This is a major conversation piece as there won't be a single person who won't notice this gem. Black a...Category
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American 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
- Judith Leiber Pink Swarovski Crystal Minaudière Clutch Evening Bag PurseBy Judith LeiberLocated in Studio City, CAA Judith Leiber pink minaudière evening purse entirely covered with pink Swarovski crystals. Features gold tone metal trim, a hinge-top opener/clasp and gold leather lined interior....Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Pave Rhinestone Studded Evening BagBy Neiman MarcusLocated in New York, NYElegant Pave Rhinestone Studded Evening Bag retailed by Neiman Marcus. Body of bag is made of a plasticized mesh which is embedded with Swarovski cryst...Category
1960s Austrian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Vintage Metallic Gold Egg Minauderè Diamond Quilted Red Carpet ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Lambskin Quilted Tassel Clutch Gold Bag This stylish egg-shaped clutch is crafted of diamond stitched lambskin leather in gold. The clutch features a gold hardware and a hang...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Classic Vintage Beige CC Diamond Quilted Caviar Timeless ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Classic Vintage Beige CC Diamond Quilted Caviar Timeless Clutch This stylish clutch is beautifully crafted of beige diamond quilted cavi...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches