- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Limited Edition Judith Leiber Rachel Zoe Python Medusa Bag

About
Details
- Designer
- Period
- Condition
- Seller LocationPhiladelphia, PA
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU104213165842
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingShips From: philadelphia , PA
- Return Policy
This item cannot be returned.
About the Designer
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 Small Red Alligator HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag in excellent condition. Red alligator leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a top glass gemstone closure. Red satin inte...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Gold Python Snakeskin 007 James Bond BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Golden Python Snakeskin 007 James Bond Bag in very good condition. golden metallic python with peachy pink shades. Gold hardware throughout. rose quartz cabochons at bo...Category
1980s Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator HandbagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator Handbag in excellent condition. Shiny black alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and two top handles. Slide side latch closure opens to...Category
1980s Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Lizard Crystal Sunglass CcaseBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAGorgeous Judith Leiber Lizard Crystal sunglass case in excellent condition. Metallic lizard leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and clear crystals along front flap closure...Category
2010s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Gold Suede Oversize ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAFABULOUS JUDITH LEIBER gold leather clutch in excellent condition. Unique cross hatch style gold stencil print over black suede trimmed with shining gold hardware. Lift latch top c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Judith Leiber Clear Swarovski Crystal Flower Top Minaudiere Evening Bag ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PATIMELESS Judith Leiber Clear Swarovski Crystal Flower Top Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Clear Swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a crys...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
You May Also Like
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
1990s Top Handle Bags
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
1980s Top Handle Bags
20th Century Top Handle Bags
1980s Top Handle Bags
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
20th Century Top Handle Bags
20th Century Top Handle Bags
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Insured Global Delivery