Judith Leiber White Leather Shoulder Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber White Leather Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU147216406492
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.
- Ivory & Tan Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Bucket BagBy Polo Ralph LaurenLocated in New York, NYIvory & Tan Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Bucket Bag. This bag features a cable knit body, leather trim, gold-tone hardware, a single flat shoul...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Light Pink Fendi DotCom Whipstitch SatchelBy FendiLocated in New York, NYLight Pink Fendi DotCom Whipstitch Satchel. The DotCom Whipstitch Satchel features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, floral print ribbon trim, a single flat top handle, a single ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Black Proenza Schouler Leather Shoulder BagBy Proenza SchoulerLocated in New York, NYBlack Proenza Schouler Leather Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, a single flat shoulder strap, and a front turn-lock flap closure. 13" L ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Structured Shoulder Bags
$280 Sale Price20% Off - Dark Green & Black Jimmy Choo Embossed Leather Shoulder BagBy Jimmy ChooLocated in New York, NYDark Green & Black Jimmy Choo Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features an embossed leather faux snakeskin body, gunmetal hardware, a single chain-link shoulder strap...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Dark Orange Suarez Small Leather ToteBy SuarezLocated in New York, NYDark Orange Suarez Small Leather Tote. This tote features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, contrast stitching, dual rolled top handles, an option...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Beige Roger Vivier Geometric Patterned Shoulder BagBy Roger VivierLocated in New York, NYBeige Roger Vivier Geometric Patterned Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a leather body, gold-tone hardware, dual chain-link and leather shoulder straps, and a front flap clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
- Baby Blue Prada PochetteLocated in New York, NYLength: 8 inches Height: 6 inches Depth: 3 inches Material: NylonCategory
1990s Shoulder Bags
- Vintage 80s Gucci GG White Shoulder Bag Crossbody with Gold Belt Chain AcrossBy GucciLocated in Malibu, CA🖤 Vintage 80s Gucci White Shoulder Bag with Gold Belt Chain Across 🖤 This stunning white Gucci bag can fit all the daily necessities such as a ph...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle BagBy Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in PUTNEY, NSWBrand: Christian Dior by John Galliano Product Name: Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag Product Description: Introducing the Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag...Category
Early 2000s European Structured Shoulder Bags
$3,516 Sale Price20% Off - Versace Safety Pin Gold White Sling Unisex Runway BagBy VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWCollector's Versace Sling Bag Feature Material: Leather Color: White Condition: Brand New Period: 2020 Place of Origin: ItalyCategory
2010s European Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Romance HoboBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLBlue and beige Louis Vuitton hobo bag with monogramming, encircled by brass hardware and leather trim. The flat grip provided the ideal shoulder posture. The two outside pockets prov...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Denim Baggy GM BlueBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis blue LOUIS VUITTON Denim Baggy GM is genuine. This fashionable hobo is constructed of blue Louis Vuitton monogram denim. The shoulder...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags