Vintage Judith Leiber Black Silk Crystal Handle Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104216806122
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: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Judith Leiber Black Patent Leather Swarovski Crystal Floral MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Black Patent Leather Swarovski Crystal Floral Minaudiere in very good condition. Black patent leather trimmed with silver hardware and multi colored swarovski c...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Crystal Large MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Crystal Large Minaudiere in very good condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware in a unique large trapezoid shape. Top button closure...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Rose Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag ClutchLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Pink Red Swarovski Crystal Rose Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with pink and red swarovski crystals in rose print and...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk TasselBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Suede Evening Bag Clutch with Silk Tassel in excellent condition. Black suede exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black sw...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag ClutchBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with silver/clear rectangle crystals...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with sparkling black rhinestone body, silver hardware and black silk shoulde...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.By Judith LeiberLocated in Buchanan, MIJudith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.Category
20th Century Clutches
- Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.Located in Buchanan, MIAnimal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.Category
20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Joaquin Olivier for Tabatà Scallops vintage bag 1960Located in Palm Beach, FLExceptional Minaudiére with a long strap in a shape of a scallops made in black leather, ostrich foot leather on the middle. Stunning item, delicate work ...Category
1960s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Gripoix and Satin Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLRare Chanel Gripoix collectable bag. In perfect condition. The purse is made of satin, the chain strap is constructed of doubled circular and oval links, each link is in a rope desig...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 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 Black Velvet 2.55 Backpack, c. 1994-96By ChanelLocated in Westport, CTChanel Black Velvet 2.55 Backpack, c. 1994-96Category
1990s French Backpacks