Judith Lieber Black Evening Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Lieber Black Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CSPN1117JLBG1stDibs: LU3363600743
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.
- Chanel Chain Detailed ClutchBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis edgy chain detailed clutch from Chanel comes from their Fall 2017 collection. For this collection, the runway Karl Lagerfeld transformed the...Category
2010s Clutches
- 1960's Vintage Beaded BagLocated in London, GBThis vintage hand-made beaded bag from the 1960s features Autumn hues with snap lock closure and a black handle. Fully lined in black satin, this bag has one open interior pocket and...Category
1960s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Yves Saint Laurent Metal Tuxedo BagBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBA unique statement bag, this Yves Saint Laurent Tuxedo Bag is crafted of antique silver tone metal and features turquoise studs, a signature YSL monogram, a...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel feather clutch bagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBCovered in an array of wispy feathers to create a beautiful movement, This pre-owned Chanel clutch from the years 2000- 2002 is the perfect accessory for a glamorous night out. Sized for just essentials, this beautiful bag features metallic gold trims...Category
Early 2000s European Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel N5 Perfume Bottle Minaudière 2013By ChanelLocated in London, GBThere are few symbols closer to the heart of the Chanel brand than a N5 perfume bottle. A rare collectors’ item, this Chanel N5 minaudière is crafted from black plexiglass, finished ...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 2015 Paris-Dubai Champagne CC Moucharabieh MinaudiereBy ChanelLocated in London, GBThis rare Paris-Dubai Runway Champagne CC Minaudiere is one of the pieces featured on the runway of Chanel Cruise 2015. The collection evoked Middle...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Ingber 1960s Evening Box BagLocated in Alford, MA1960s Ingber box-shaped bag in black featuring a rope top handle and a jeweled clasp. Open to reveal a red interior with side compartment. Plenty of room for phone and essentials.Category
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Black Satin Evening Bag by Rene ManciniBy Rene ManciniLocated in London, GBA chic vintage evening bag by Rene Mancini. In black satin with a flap over front with popper fastening, and an internal pouch pocket. The bag has attractive gold detail on the fro...Category
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Eggs Bag Jewelry BoxBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCollector. Chanel jewelry box eggs bag in black plexiglass Attention, this egg-box bag is straight out of the 2014-2015 Chanel ready-to-wear fashion show so th...Category
2010s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
$13,943 - Chanel Tortoise Resin Vintage Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Tortoise Resin Evening Bag is in very nice vintage condition from the early 2000’s. Very rare, this unique minaudiere is certa...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Black Vintage Beaded Mini Box Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Beaded Mini Box Bag is in excellent vintage condition from the late 1990's. A rare and stunning evening bag for any collectio...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Moschino Black with White Polka Dot and Gilded Gold Hardware Accent HandbagBy Love MoschinoLocated in New York, NYMoschino wonderfully elegant yet whimsical textured black with white polka dot silk handbag is accented with a polished gilded gold hardware frame. The opening on top is a "Press But...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags