Judith Leiber Full Bead Minaudiere Chain Evening 1ma4 Silver X Gold Crystals
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Dix hills, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2409214344582
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: Dix hills, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Céline Trapeze Tri-color 2way 30cer0501 Multicolor Suede Leather Cross Body BagBy CelineLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: CU-4105 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 6.5" Height: 8" Handle drop: 4.5" Strap drop: 14" OVERALL NEW DEMO CONDITION (9.75/10 or NWT-...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Gucci Backpack Imprime Rolling Trolley Gg 4g615 Blue Patent Leather Travel BagBy GucciLocated in Dix hills, NYOrigin: Italy Date/Authenticity Code: 271341-200047 Measurements: 12.5" L x 9" W x 18" H Exterior Pockets: One front zip pocket and one rear flat pocket Interior Pockets: One zi...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Dior Signature Oblique Monogram Trotter Boston 869842 Brown Coated CanvasBy Christian DiorLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 14.5 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 37 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 7.08 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 18 cm(ap...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Trousse Toilery Pouch Gm 232555 Green Taiga Leather WristletBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: CA0055 Made In: Spain Length: 10 in Width: 3 in Height: 8 in OVERALL B- CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Retail $1030 Signs of Wear: Outside has marks a...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Crossbody Juliette 872637 Navy Blue Monogram Mini Lin Canvas BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 8.26 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 21 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 4.33 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 11 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 17.7 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 45 cm(ap...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Flap Wallet 225063 Graphite Damier Canvas ClutchBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: Shown in pictures. Made In: France Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: 0.5" Height: 4" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Includes LV Gift Bo...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Coach White Leather Hamptons Braided SatchelLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This fashionable Coach bag will make a standout addition to your collection. Crafted from leather the bag comes with dual handles and protective metal feet at the bottom. The bag fea...Category
2010s Chinese Top Handle Bags
- MARNI iron grey leather FRAME Handbag BagBy MarniLocated in Zürich, CHauthentic Marni shoulder bag in iron grey smooth nappa leather with black acetate handle and pleated shoulder strap. Lined in grey nylon and divided...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- TYLER ELLIS Poppy Small in Cloudy White Ostrich Feathers with White SatinBy Tyler EllisLocated in Los Angeles, CAThe Poppy is featured in Cloudy White Ostrich Feathers and Wedding White Satin. This soft pouch is designed with our custom half-metal frame and Pinecone Cl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Dior X Spencer Sweeney Limited Edition Multicolor Mini Lady Dior BagBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYListing Title: Dior X Spencer Sweeney Limited Edition Multicolor Mini Lady Dior Bag SKU: 108993 MSRP: USD 7,200.00 Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Condition. Plastic on some hardware. light fraying to beadwork. Brand: Dior Model: Lady Dior Ligne: Lady Dior Art Origin Country: Italy Handbag Silhouette: Crossbody Bag; Shoulder Bag; Top Handle Occasions: Everyday; Fall/Winter; Spring/Summer; Wedding; Weekend Size (Generic): Mini Size (Specific): Mini Year Manufactured: 2017 Features Interior: One zip pocket Interior Material: Fabric Interior Color (Generic): Purple...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hérmes 42cm White Clemence JPG Shoulder BirkinBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZA classic Birkin with a twist! Circa 2006, this 42cm Birkin is named after its designer, John Paul Gaultier. Originally created in 2006, Gaultier took the classic Birkin and gave it a new look which features a slouchy style with tall dual top handles, allowing the bag to be worn on the shoulder. Noted for its softness and slouchier/more casual look, this Birkin is crafted from White Clemence leather and includes oversized silver tone Palladium plated hardware. The interior is lined in White colored goatskin...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Gianni Versace Couture 1997 Absolut Vodka BagBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Scottsdale, AZCalling all Versace collectors! Circa 1997 for the Absolut Vodka campaign, this mini bag is crafted from white leather and features silver Medusa hardwar...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags