Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere with Semi-Precious Stones
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere with Semi-Precious Stones
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Minaudiere is in excellent condition with some normal/minor wears to the metal frame as pictured.
- Seller Location:Carmel, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4176177052
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.
- Leonard Paris Firework Print DressBy LeonardLocated in Carmel, CALeonard Paris silk jersey vintage mini dress features a vibrant firework print throughout with a ruched bodice, made of 100% silk jersey, and has button ...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Byron Lars Lifetime Nip Waist Khaki Safari Pant and Jacket SetBy Byron LarsLocated in Carmel, CAByron Lars pant and jacket set has button closures at the front of the jacket with tortoise-like button closures and 4 patch pockets. Exagerated design with...Category
1980s Hong Kong Trouser Pant Suits
$640 Sale Price20% Off - Ceil Chapman Lace Vintage DressBy Ceil ChapmanLocated in Carmel, CACeil Chapman 1950's vintage dress featured in beige with lace, ribbon and organza fabric, boat neckline and a back zipper fastening. Dress has a full lining and a tulle lining for th...Category
Early 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
$895 Sale Price50% Off - Vintage Bill Blass Pink One-Shoulder DressBy Bill BlassLocated in Carmel, CAVintage Bill Blass Pink One-Shoulder Dress -- dress features a large bow that lies on the left shoulder, and a side zipper fastening. Dress is in wonde...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- Chanel Boutique Vintage Iconic Silk Chiffon Pleated DressBy ChanelLocated in Carmel, CAChanel Boutique dress is featured in a beige-colored silk chiffon fabric with a pleated design, a white Peter Pan organza collar, and gold-tone Lion head button closures that line do...Category
Late 20th Century French Day Dresses
$1,760 Sale Price20% Off - Chanel 2000 C Beige Multicolor Tweed JacketBy ChanelLocated in Carmel, CAChanel jacket is featured in a ivory background with a multicolored pattern throughout, two pearlescent button closures at the front, and two pockets at the waist. Measurements: Bus...Category
Early 2000s French Jackets
- 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 2015 Paris Dubai Night Gas Tank Jerry Can Statement Bag Collector's ItemBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2015 Paris Dubai Night Gas Tank Jerry Can Statement Bag Collector's Item Cruise 2015 Paris-Dubai Collection. Gold hardware Single padded top handle G...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Chanel Dubai Resort Swarovski Studded Classic Charm Reissue FlapBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Dubai Resort Swarovski Studded Classic Charm Reissue Flap Year: 2015 Silver hardware Gold lambskin perforated leather Swarovski charm crystals ...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Plexiglass No. 5 Perfume Bottle BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Plexiglass No. 5 Perfume Bottle Bag is a runway piece in excellent condition. Extremely rare, it is a must have piece for any colle...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Ivory Jersey Evening Bag with Mirrored Pyramid StudsBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Ivory Mirrored Fabric Evening Bag is in excellent condition. Silver mirrored adornment paired with winter white jersey is a beautiful combination that stands o...Category
Early 2000s Evening Bags and Minaudières