Judith Leiber Circa 1980s
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Circa 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Cincinnati, OH
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU254325262
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.
- 1930's Hand Woven Fish Basket Purse Bucket BagLocated in New York, NY1930's hand woven circular fish basket purse with double drop handles to carry in hand or under arm. The bag can also be used to enhance home decor and as a catch all. Beautiful piece.Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Shoulder Bags
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Black Stencilled Velvet Drawstring BagBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYFortunys stenciled velvet drawstring bags found a use for small pieces of his precious velvets, their sizes vary due to the dimensions of the cuts.They are exceedingly rare.
<...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Pouches and Wristlets
Price Upon Request - Very Rare Rolex Leather PurseBy RolexLocated in Dallas, TXVery Rare Rolex Leather Purse - Green Rolex Leather Purse. Dimensions : 7 x 4.5 inch. Can be worn as an over the shoulder bag or as a fanny pack. Comes wit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 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
- 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 - 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