Judith Leiber Celine Dion Black & Red Swarovski Crystal Card Case w. Box
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Celine Dion Black & Red Swarovski Crystal Card Case w. Box
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 118576-211stDibs: LU2044373111
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.
- Valentino Beige Rockstud Zip Leather Card CaseBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYValentino Beige Rockstud Zip Leather Card Case Made In: Italy Color: Beige Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Leather Lining: Canvas Closure/Opening: Z...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets
- Chanel RARE COLLECTORS Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Vintage Quilted Satin Micro Flap Bag Necklace Made In: France Year of Production: 1990s Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Satin Lining: Leather Closure/Opening...Category
1990s French Novelty Bags
- Chanel Black Leather Quilted CC Card HolderBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Leather Quilted CC Card Holder Made In: Spain Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Lambskin leather Lining: Leather and grosgrain Four credit card slots Exterior ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Wallets
- Chanel Navy/Gold Glitter Large Deauville Pouch BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Navy/Gold Glitter Large Deauville Pouch Bag Made In: Italy Year of Production: 2019-2020 Color: Navy and gold Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Woven canvas Lining: Grosgrain Clos...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pouches and Wristlets
- Valentino NEW Vlogo Black Signature Grainy Calfskin Cardholder WalletBy ValentinoLocated in New York, NYValentino Vlogo Black Signature Grainy Calfskin Cardholder Wallet Made In: Italy Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Grainy calfskin leather Lining: Leather Closure/Opening:...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets
- Hermes Black/Gold Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Adjustable Belt/PouchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Black/Gold Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Belt/Pouch Made In: France Year of Production: 2023 Color: Black Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Epsom l...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pouches and Wristlets
- Chanel Vintage Beige CC Flap Waist Bag Quilted Caviar Small BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Beige CC Flap Waist Bag Quilted Caviar Small Bag Color: Brown Material: Leather Hardware Color: Gold 5.5"W x 5.5"H x 1.5"DCategory
1990s Italian Belt Bags
- Gucci GG Monogram and Beige Leather Wallet with Zip Pocket and BoxBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PATIMELESS Gucci GG Monogram and Beige Leather Wallet with Zip Pocket and Box in excellent condition. Signature monogram gg canvas exterior trimmed with beige leather and silver hardwa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wallets
- Fendi 1980s Python Mini Pouch NecklaceBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your look with this Fendi micro mini pouch necklace! Circa late 1980s, this pouch is crafted from python and is finished with black spots. Featu...Category
1980s Italian Wallets and Small Accessories
- Chanel Vintage Cream Caviar Leather Chain PouchBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZAccessorize with the most adorable mini Chanel! This is a vintage gem that you need to add to your collection! This mini Chanel was created in the 1990's and is still in great vintage condition with very small imperfections as seen in photos. This bag still has so much life to live! This bag features a long...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Christian Dior Tan Cow Hide WalletBy Christian DiorLocated in Scottsdale, AZSnag the coolest vintage gem today! This is ultra-unique wallet that you can't get anywhere else. Who doesn't love to have something that no one else has? This wallet is made of a beautiful and soft tan cow-hide paired with a rich brown leather. On the front of the wallet features a 'Christian Dior' plaque. Open this up and on the interior you can see all the great organization space this provides. This will be your new everyday wallet! It features many card holders, a coin pouch, and cash departments. This wallet has some wear due to its vintage age, but still has a lot of life to live. Notice the scratches on the hardware, the thinning of hair on some areas, and the wear of the leather. Pair this cool wallet with a vintage Prada handbag...Category
20th Century French Wallets
- Fendi Beige Leather Bifold F Is Compact WalletBy FendiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2A beautiful wallet for the stylish women, this Fendi F Is compact wallet is perfect to carry along with you while you step out to run errands. Crafted in leather, this wallet is acce...Category
2010s Italian Wallets