Fabulous Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Trinket Pill Box
View Similar Items
Fabulous Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Trinket Pill Box
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Style:Contemporary (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Montreal, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5151198382
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.
- Vintage Iconic Louis Vuitton Designer Monogram Ellipse HandbagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Beautiful! Vintage Iconic Louis Vuitton Designer 1998 MM Monogram Ellipse. Vintage crafted Traditional Louis Vuitton Monogram Toile Canvas Bowl...Category
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Resting Crane Bird Diamante Gold Trinket Pill BoxBy Judith LeiberLocated in Montreal, QCBeautiful Hard to Find Gold tone Judith Leiber Trinket Box fashioned after a Japanese 'Koro' or incense holder in the form of a Resting Crane; highlighted with sparkling CZ crystals ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Set 3 Mid Century Modern Red and Black Enamel Sterling Silver LadybugsLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Delightful! Vintage Set of 3 Mid Century Modern Red and Black Enamel Sterling Silver Ladybugs. Beautifully Hand crafted in solid Sterling Silver, enameled in Red and Black. Ra...Category
Late 20th Century Decorative Objects
- Golden Yellow Wool Hand Woven Silk Fringe Shawl Wrap Estate FindLocated in Montreal, QCBeautiful woven Wool Fringe Shawl; Spectacular Hand knotted handmade silk fringe adorns the entire length of the shawl; approx. size of shawl: 55” x 18.75” fringe measures approx. 2...Category
1980s Scarves
- Vintage Harley Davidson Righteous Ruler Eagle SuspendersLocated in Montreal, QCVintage Harley Davidson Motor Cycles ‘Righteous Ruler’ suspenders with printed Pink Elephants, silver tone head clips. Circa 1980s; One SizeCategory
Late 20th Century Suspenders
- Stunning Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Long Floral Pleated Silk SkirtBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Montreal, QCLuxurious All Silk Oscar de la Renta Green Embroidered Floral Pleated Long Silk...Beautifully pleated front and back...5” elasticized waist with side zipper closure and bar hook at ...Category
Late 20th Century American Pleated Skirts
- Dolce and Gabbana micro handbag leopard print, charm, BoxedBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in NEWARK, GBA gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana micro handbag or charm. This is a complete micro handbag which opens and closes, in a pony style leopard print calfskin des...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets
- New Hermès Accessories and Shoe Kit Leather Case TrunkBy HermèsLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Limited edition Hermès shoe kit case, from the grand opening of the men’s store on Madison Ave is finely crafted in box leather. It incorporates a classic...Category
Early 2000s French Novelty Bags
- Walter Van Beirendonck Hologram Cosmetics BagBy Walter Van BeirendonckLocated in Los Angeles, CAResurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Walt cosmetic bag featuring four holographic panels, a top zipper, and a "W" keychain. Walt O...Category
1990s Belgian Novelty Bags
- Chanel 2002 Rare Vintage Black Lambskin Waist Belt Bag Fanny PackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage Black Lambskin Waist Belt Bag Fanny Pack Black leather 2002 quilted belt bag featuring a fold-over top with snap closure a signature interlocking CC logo gold...Category
Early 2000s French Belt Bags
- Chanel 1991 Rare Vintage Black Lambskin CC Stitched Waist Belt Bag Fanny PackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 1991 Rare Vintage Black Lambskin CC Stitched Waist Belt Bag Fanny Pack Year: 1991 {32 Years Vintage} Black calfskin leather Iconic interlocking CC logo stitched at front ad...Category
1990s French Belt Bags
- Chanel Rare Vintage Iridescent Champagne Pearl Mini Belt Bum Bag Fanny PackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage Iridescent Pearl Lambskin Quilted Mini Belt Waist Bum Bag Fanny Pack 1991 {VINTAGE 31 Years} Gold hardware CC Turnlock closure Foldover flap 6.1" W x 4.7" H x 1....Category
1990s Italian Belt Bags