Judith Leiber Extra Large Chocolate Crocodile Shoulder Bag with Snap Top
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Extra Large Chocolate Crocodile Shoulder Bag with Snap Top
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)Length: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU48323452
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.
- Christian Louboutin Black Shoulder BagBy Christian LouboutinLocated in Los Angeles, CAChristian Louboutin Black Shoulder Bag. In excellent condition, Measurements: Height - 5.3 Inches Width - 14 Inches Height with Strap - 13 InchesCategory
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Lanvin Brown Leather Double Strap Purse W/ Silver HardwareBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Los Angeles, CALanvin Brown Leather Double Strap Purse W/ Silver Hardware. In Excellent Condition. Original Price $1745 Measurements: Height - 8.5 Inches Width - 16.4 Inches Height with Stra...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Maud Frizon Red Leather Bag W/ Grommets on PocketBy Maud Frizon Paris, Maud FrizonLocated in Los Angeles, CAMaud Frizon Red Leather Bag W/ Grommets on Pocket. From 1980s is in excellent condition, Measurements: Height - 9.5 inches Height with Strap - 27.5 inches Width - 11.5 inchesCategory
1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Cream Off White Snakeskin Hobo with Multi Metal Two Tone ChainBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a gorgeous Judith Leiber purse. The handbag is composed of a striking off white snakeskin and features a two tone chain. There is a one interior zipper compartment and a snap...Category
1980s Unknown Hobo Bags
- GUCCI Tan Leather and Canvas Shoulder BagBy GucciLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis spacious Gucci tan leather and canvas bag features a leather shoulder strap, leather handles, gold hardware, and the iconic green and red stripe...Category
20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- JUDITH LEIBER Nude to Brown Ombre Lizard Skin Purse Gold StrapsBy Judith LeiberLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Judith Leiber purse is composed of a nude to brown ombre lizard skin. Features an interior gold frame with two side pockets. There is an interior pocket and two slide pockets. C...Category
20th Century Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 22 Mini Shiny Calfskin BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA lovely Chanel 22 Mini Bag. The exterior is crafted in quilted black shiny calfskin leather with gold-tone hardware. It features a gold tone logo in the front, a dangling CC logo me...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Chanel Brand New Black Quilted Hard Case Compact Vanity Crossbody BagBy ChanelLocated in Pasadena, CAChanel Brand New Black Quilted Hard Case Compact Vanity Crossbody Bag *Marked 3208XXXX *Made in France *Comes with the original box, pouch, contr...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Cabas H En Biais 27 Black And Ecru Swift CanvasBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA lovely Hermès Cabas 27 handbag. The exterior of this Cabas bag is crafted in black and ecru canvas and features a "H" design. Features a trim, handles and s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French 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
- 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
- Chanel Black Tweed Large 19 FlapBy ChanelLocated in Miami Beach, FLChanel Black Tweed Large This is an authentic Chanel large 19. Black tweed exterior with large quilting and front flap. Woven leather chain CC turn clasp. Large spacious pocket in ...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags