Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Style:Structured (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Seven interior compartments plus matching coin purse.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Some discoloration to touch points on grosgrain interior lining and edges, and faint tarnishing to gold hardware (see photos).
- Seller Location:Tucson, AZ
- Reference Number:
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: Tucson, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Brown Matte Alligator Top Handle Hourglass Purse with Comb and Mirror, 1950sLocated in Tucson, AZA ladylike staple accessory and a sign of good breeding, an alligator top handle bag remains as relevant today as it was a half-century ago. Pairs as effortlessly with denim and a trench as it does with a cocktail dress. This one has the very modern added benefit of being large enough to hold a 12-oz bottle of water too! Vintage alligator handbag with self-covered top frame and single top handle; interior zippered side pocket with open pocket beneath containing mirror and faux tortoise comb...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Brown Leather Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in Tucson, AZLike Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable accordion files with multiple pockets and kiss locks to keep contents secure, it eliminates the need for a wallet. Moreover, the heavyweight gold chain handle looks like a piece of fine jewelry and is long enough to be worn on the shoulder. Chocolate brown shoulder bag...Category
1980s American Structured Shoulder Bags
- Modernist Mahogany Gloss Geometric Center Cut Medium Alligator Handbag, 1950sLocated in Tucson, AZGina Lollobrigida. 57 Chevys. Boomerang coffee tables. There was a time in the 50s when round was square and points meant progress. An icon of mid-century style, this classic geometric handbag...Category
1950s American Structured Shoulder Bags
- Unworn Hand-Painted Persian Toe Flat Thong Sandals - US 9, 1950sBy Exotica FootwearLocated in Tucson, AZAn immaculate pair of vintage gold sandals in a wearable modern size? With a Persian toe?! Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Gold leather fla...Category
1950s Indian Sandals
- Chanel Paris Ivory Textured Wool Mini Pencil Skirt - S, 1998By Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Tucson, AZA go-with-everything wardrobe work horse in gently textured wool. Shapely enough to be sexy while still permitting a comfortable stride. Ivory 7-panel skirt of lightly textured wool...Category
1990s French Pencil Skirts
- Convertible Yellow Floral Circle Dress w Rhinestone-Studded Shelf Bust-S, 1950sLocated in Tucson, AZWearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...Category
1950s Unknown Ballerina Day Dresses
- 1990s Chanel vintage beige nude linen quilted kelly top handle shoulder bagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLCirca 1999 with original tags attached. Never used. 24k gold plated hardware Flat bottom opens to a large interior zipper closure. Lambskin interior lining. exterior large back poc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Metallic Monogram Shimmer Halo Bag, France, 2008-09By Louis VuittonLocated in Praha 2, Hlavní město PrahaLouis Vuitton limited edition Metallic Monogram Shimmer Halo Bag, made in France, 2008-09. Date of manufacture: 2008-09 Origin: France Material: monogram leather, canvas Hardware: s...Category
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
- Gucci Guccissima Gray Leather Indy Top Handle Crossbody Strap BagBy GucciLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Gucci always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The edgy bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Gucci House. A classic Guccissima bag...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Beige Boy Flap Bag Quilted Calfskin MediumBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLChanel Beige Boy Flap Bag Quilted Calfskin Medium. This 2013-2014 version has a leather and chain-link shoulder strap with an adjustable buckle, a pus...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Beige Coco Cuba Record Embroidered ToteBy ChanelLocated in Miami Beach, FLChanel Beige Coco Cuba Record Embroidered Tote Bag This is an Authentic Chanel Coco Cuba Shopper Tote. Quilted tweed fabric exterior with Painted leather applique detail on front an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Peach Caviar Medium Flap GHW BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami Beach, FLChanel Peach Caviar Medium Flap GHW Bag This is an authentic Chanel Medium Classic Flap. The bag has a flap closure with a Double C logo turn lock. The interior is leather and inclu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags