Vintage Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Jeweled Clasp
View Similar Items
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Satin Evening Bag with Jeweled Clasp
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Length: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Strap a little stiff, some rhinestones have been replaced.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU561132782
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.
- Chanel Orylag Triple Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA stylish and Chic Chanel Orylag flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2015 Act 1 Collection. The exterior of this bag features a navy orylag fur with antiqued s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2016 2.55 Reissue Flap Hanger Small Mini Reissue Limited Edition BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Classic Flap Hanger Small 2.55 Reissue Bag Limited Edition 2016 Gold tone hardware Mademoiselle turn-lock closure Black calfskin Reissue classic chain Hanger detail with rear...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Black Quilted Glitter Patent Leather Jumbo Classic Single Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A classic handbag comes with the promise of enduring appeal, boosting your style time and again. This Chanel black bag is one such creation. It’s a fine purchase.Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Louis Vuitton Bordeaux Electric Epi Leather Mirabeau PM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior that ...Category
2010s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Valentino Black Leather Flap Shoulder BagBy ValentinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This stunning shoulder bag from the House of Valentino grants you complete functionality without compromising on style or luxury! It is fashioned using black leather. The front featu...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Zagliani Dark Grey Python Puffy HoboBy ZaglianiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Make a fine investment with this Zagliani creation. It has been crafted using python leather and lined with suede on the insides. It has gunmetal-tone hardware and two top handles fo...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières