Judith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104218658682
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- OOAK Vintage Hermes Hand Painted Ropes Bucket BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Hermes Hand Painted Ropes Bucket Bag in very good condition. Black box calf leather exterior with small holes and hand painted white ropes pattern ...Category
1970s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Mini Black Patent Leather Classic Shoulder BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Mini Black Patent Leather Classic Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Smooth black patent leather exterior trimmed with matte gold hardware. Signature woven chain and leather...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- RARE Chanel Metallic Green Patent Leather Jumbo Classic FlapLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Metallic Green Patent Leather Jumbo Classic Flap in excellent condition. Metallic green quilted patent leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and signature woven chain ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Navy Blue Quilted Matte Snakeskin ToteLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Navy Blue Quilted Matte Snakeskin Tote in excellent condition. Quilted navy blue matte snakeskin exterior trimmed with silver hardware and matchi...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Leather Crave Tote BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Black Leather Crave Tote Bag in excellent condition. Black calfskin leather exterior trimmed with ruthenium hardware. Exterior leather features unique embossed pattern along s...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermes Brown Leather and Canvas Trim Bag Hand PaintedLocated in Philadelphia, PAHermes Brown Leather and Canvas Hand Painted Trim Bag in very good condition. Smooth brown swift leather surrounding a one-of-a-kind hand painted canvas body that features a colorful tribal pattern in blues, yellow, tan, red, burgundy and cream. Silver palladium hardware. Top zipper closure opens to a canvas interior with 2 leather side pockets, one zippered, one slit. Overall very good condition with light wear consistent with gentle use. Delicate scuffs on leather and light marks on canvas interior. Please see photos for reference. This piece is part of the Ladybag International "Vintage Reinvented" collection which reworks authentic vintage designer pieces...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured 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
- 1990's Gianni Versace Signature Medusa Head Gold Medallion Shoulder BagBy Versace, Gianni 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
- Chanel Classic 1990s Double Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Frankfurt am Main, DEThe Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and a symbol of the timeless luxury of the Chanel brand. This bag, made from first-class calfskin in a deep ...Category
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- CHRISTIAN DIOR black leather DIORAMA CLASP MEDIUM FLAP Shoulder BagBy Christian DiorLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Christian Dior Diorama Clasp Medium Flap Bag Cruise 16 in black embroidered calfskin with baby pink, white and beige CD logo stitching featuring silver-tone metal chai...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- TOM FORD black leather NATALIA Shoulder BagBy Tom FordLocated in Zürich, CHTom Ford 'Natalia' crossbody bag in black calfskin featuring flap top with oversized gold-tone turn-lock closure. Slit pocket on the back side. Lined in black microfibre with one zip...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- CELINE black & olive CALF HAIR MINI LUGGAGE Tote Shoulder BagBy CelineLocated in Zürich, CHCéline 'Mini Luaggabe' tote in olive calf hair with black calf hair gussets and black leather details. Zipper pocket on the front. Closes with a zipper on top. Lined in black leather...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags