Unique Judith Leiber Pink Ice Cube Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
View Similar Items
Unique Judith Leiber Pink Ice Cube Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)Length: 4 in (10.16 cm)
- Style:Modern Couture (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Gold plated metal frame with gold metallic leather interior.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Tustin, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: AJN1stDibs: LU131537310941
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.
- Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills Snow White's Red Apple Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills, Katherine BaumannLocated in Tustin, CAA limited-edition, signed and numbered, Swarovski crystal encrusted, gold-plated metal Snow White's red apple shaped minaudière evening bag purse by Kathrine Baumann, who is the cele...Category
1990s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening BagBy Kathrine Baumann Beverly HillsLocated in Tustin, CAExquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Sexy German Christine Vogdt 1970s Lynx Fur Stroller Length Coat US Size 8 MediumLocated in Tustin, CAWild and exotic, this vintage, spotted lynx fur coat or jacket from the 1970s, in excellent condition, makes a bold fashion statement from internationally renowned German fashion designer/artist, Christine Vogdt...Category
1970s German Jackets
$3,920 Sale Price20% Off - Avant Garde Roberto Cavalli Magenta Suede Two Tone Thigh High Boots Size 41By Roberto CavalliLocated in Tustin, CAVery avant garde, crafted from the finest leathers, breathtakingly fierce, Italian luxury brand, Roberto Cavalli, thigh high boots. These edgy boots feature pointed toes, a split of...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
$1,120 Sale Price20% Off - Very Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed Burgundy Leather PurseBy FendiLocated in Tustin, CAVery Large 1980s FENDI S.A.S. Diamond Embossed burgundy russet tone Leather Purse Smartly stylish, extremely roomy estate Fendi purse is large enough to carry ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
$960 Sale Price20% Off - Classic Louis Vuitton Iconic Monogram Cell Phone Case or HolderBy Louis VuittonLocated in Tustin, CAIconic and stylish Louis Vuitton monogram coated canvas cell phone case or holder in classic brown will cover and protect your phone in style. Include...Category
2010s French Tech Accessories and Cases
- A carved Bakelite framed golden velvet handbag, France, 1920sLocated in Greyabbey, County DownA charming and highly decorative handbag, made from golden/amber silk velvet, which has a veil, or netting, layer over the top , giving a delicacy and depth to the handbag. Topped w...Category
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Beautiful 1920s Bronze Gold Fully Beaded Vintage 20s Flapper Purse Bag PouchLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1920s bronze and brown fully beaded evening bag! The perfect alternative to a clutch! This rare gem features two gold metal chains, and can be adjusted to wear long or shor...Category
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- An Art Deco style rectangular beaded bag, Pierre Cardin, France, 1970By Pierre Cardin CoutureLocated in Greyabbey, County DownPierre Cardin’s preference, right from the start, was always for large jewels, and always designed in close connection with the garment, accentuating a predominant element of the cut, or drawing attention to a detail. Training essentially as an architect, he moved into fashion, working first for Paquin, them moving to Elsa Schiaparelli and , finally, Christian Dior, before opening his own house in 1950. Designing ground breaking...Category
1970s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Grey Beaded Snake Skin Print Chain Flap BagBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful grey beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads and was highlighted in the March 2000 issue of U.S. Vogue with Shalom Harlow captured by Raymond Meier...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford White Beaded Snake Skin Print Chain BagBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a beautiful white beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2000 collection, this fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads a similar bag was highlighted in the March 2000 issue of U.S. Vogue captured by Raymond Meier...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Black 'GG' Monogram Wrap Pouch BraceletBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a black Gucci 'GG' monogram pouch cuff, designed by Tom Ford. From the early 2000s, this zip bracelet features a velcro closure and zip pocket just big enough to hold the ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Novelty Bags