Judith Leiber Dark Purple Alligator Shoulder Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Dark Purple Alligator Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10424723771
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.
- Judith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap Bag in excellent condition. Black lizard trimmed with antique silver hardware, swarovski crystals and jade gemstones. Front flap snap closure open...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag in good condition. Navy lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones along top edge. Center lift latc...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. black lizard leather exterior trimmed with antiqued silver hardware, swarovski crys...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Black Suede Rhinestone Alligator Flap Shoulder BagBy PradaLocated in Philadelphia, PAPrada Black Suede Rhinestone Alligator Flap Shoulder Bag in good condition. Black suede trimmed with silver hardware, alligator leather and embroidered multi color rhinestones along front top flap. slide latch...Category
Early 2000s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Green Suede Gold Clown Shoulder BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Green Suede Gold Clown Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Green suede exterior trimmed with gold hardware and green bx calf leather. Front c...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Givenchy Black Leather Pandora Pure Flap BagBy GivenchyLocated in Philadelphia, PAGivenchy Black Leather Pandora Pure Flap Bag in excellent condition. Soft Black calfskin leather trimmed with silver hardware. Can be carried by top handle or with shoulder strap to ...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel large CC coated canvas beach toteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNever worn As seen on Sex and the City the movie Has a large detachable interior pouch insert XL shopping tote with rope detail perfect for travel or vacation Very spacious tote th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Fendi Mini Black HandbagLocated in New York, NYLength: 6.75” inches Height: 5.75” inches Material: neoprene Condition: goodCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- GUCCI Black GG Guccissima Studded Pelham BagBy GucciLocated in Genève, CHGucci Studded Pelham Black Tote features a chic design with gorgeous pleated and studded details on gorgeous and supple Gucci monogram embossed leather. The bag features studs on th...Category
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
- Chanel Black Lambskin Leather Shoulder Bag, Italy, 1980sBy ChanelLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaChanel vintage black lambskin leather shoulder chain bag, made in Italy, 1980s. The bag is partially quilted. From the Chanel 1988/1991 collection. Date of manufacture: 1980s Origin...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Vintage Silk Crystals Flap 2-Way Clutch Shoulder Tassel BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Judith Leiber always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. This beautiful bag takes timeless creation...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 1990's Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder BagBy Gianni Versace, VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWThe 1990s Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder Bag is a true icon of fashion history. This exquisite accessory captures the essence of Gianni Versace's bold a...Category
1990s European Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
$975 Sale Price40% Off