Vintage Judith Leiber Soft Fern Green Python Bag W Cabochon Amethyst Clasp
View Similar Items
Vintage Judith Leiber Soft Fern Green Python Bag W Cabochon Amethyst Clasp
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 9.75 in (24.77 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Above Excellent Vintage Condition. Clean Interior! Gold Hardware is Not Faded.
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 6200-301stDibs: LU768594942
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.
- Judith Leiber Gold with White Crystal Box Minaudière Evening ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Miami Beach, FLElegant Judith Leiber minaudière looks like a gift box or pillow with a Swarovski crystal ribbon. The bag features a press crystal lock closure with golden hardware, The shoulder strap that can be tucked into the interior of the bag for use as a clutch. The interior is done in metallic leather. It comes with a Leiber gold comb...Category
Late 20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
$1,080 Sale Price20% Off - Hermes Beton 25cm Togo Gold Hardware Off White Baby Birkin Bag U Stamp, 2022By HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Beton 25cm Togo Gold Hardware Off White Baby Birkin Bag U Stamp, 2022 Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware)...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- ALEXANDER WANG brown faux scaled leather black studded strap flap shoulder bagBy Alexander WangLocated in Hong Kong, NTALEXANDER WANG brown faux scaled leather black studded strap flap shoulder bag Reference: ANWU/A00946 Brand: Alexander Wang Designer: Alexander Wang Material: Leather Color: Beige, B...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Mini Square Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Mini Square Classic Flap Bag SKU: 127695 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Condition. Scuf...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Fendi Blush Mink & Leather Small First BagBy FendiLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Fendi Blush Mink & Leather Small First Bag SKU: 122058 MSRP: 5500.00 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: E...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Chanel Beige Lambskin Leather 10" Medium Double Flap Classic BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Beige Lambskin Leather 10" Medium Double Flap Classic Bag with Goldtone Hardware Made In: France Year of Production: Color: Light beige, gold Hardware: Goldtone Materials: La...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags