Judith Leiber Rhinestone Gilt Kitty Cat Brooch Pins
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Rhinestone Gilt Kitty Cat Brooch Pins
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:Gold Plate
- Dimensions:Height: 2 in (50.8 mm)Width: 1 in (25.4 mm)
- Style:Modernist
- Place of Origin:United States
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:excellent vintage.
- Seller Location:Montreal, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5151106622
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.
- Alexis Bittar Designer Signed Fox Rabbit Feather and Amethyst Crystal Brooch PinBy Alexis BittarLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Beautiful! Vintage Alexis Bittar Designer Signed Fantasy Woodland Creatures featuring a Fox, Bunny Rabbit, Feather with spiked accents and Bezel set Amethyst color Crystal Cha...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches
MaterialsCrystal
$395 / setFree Shipping - Designer Nolan Miller Signed Vintage Sparkling Crystal Butterfly Brooch PinBy Nolan MillerLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Beautiful! Signed Nolan Miller Designer Blue and Clear Crystal Dragonfly Brooch. Hand set with a myriad of Sparkling Crystals in blue and clear....Category
Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches
MaterialsCrystal, Silver Plate
- Vintage Joseff of Hollywood 3 Racing Horses Designer Brooch PinBy Joseff of HollywoodLocated in Montreal, QCFabulous and Impressive Brooch featuring Three highly detailed Racing Horses. Measuring approx. 2" X 2". Signed Joseff of Hollywood. Circa 1940s. Joseff of Hollywood...Jeweler to the...Category
Mid-20th Century American Retro Brooches
MaterialsGold Plate
- Kenneth Jay Lane Faux Green Jade Mask Brooch Pin Pendant Signed KJL Estate FindBy Kenneth LaneLocated in Montreal, QCAwesome Kenneth J Lane Exotic carved Lucite Jade Brooch/Pendant with the true appearance of Natural Jade. Signed on reverse: KJL. Approx. size: 2" x 2.5". Rare, Iconic and Highly Cov...Category
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Brooches
MaterialsGold Plate
Sold$495Free Shipping - Nolan Miller Signed Designer Crystal Bird in Flight Vintage Brooch PinBy Nolan MillerLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Beautiful! Rare Vintage Designer Brooch by Nolan Miller featuring a Flying Bird Hand set with sparkling Crystals. Silver Tone mounting...Category
Late 20th Century American Modernist Brooches
MaterialsCrystal
- Vintage Designer Signed Heidi Daus Swarovski Crystal Pearl Christmas Tree PinBy Heidi DausLocated in Montreal, QCSimply Beautiful! Heidi Daus Designer Signed Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Christmas Tree Holiday Brooch Pin. Hand set with Sparkling Swarovski Crystal ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Brooches
MaterialsCrystal, Pearl
- Vintage 1960's 8mm Pearl & 9K Gold Bar Brooch, with security chain.Located in MELBOURNE, AUCrafted with refined elegance this stunning Bar Brooch is of Australian provenance, dating from 1960's. Of lovely openwork motif, it centers a South Sea Pearl of 8mm of gorgeous ...Category
Vintage 1960s Australian Retro Brooches
MaterialsPearl, 9k Gold
- 1950s Diamond Handmade Diamond Brooch "Bailey, Banks & Biddle"By Bailey, Banks & BiddleLocated in Wailea, HI1950's Diamond Handmade Diamond Brooch "Bailey, Banks & Biddle" This "One of a Kind" Brooch A Total Diamond Weight Over Seven carat. of Extremely Fine Diamonds Designed by a True Ma...Category
Mid-20th Century American Brooches
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Platinum
- Rene Boivin 18 Karat Gold & Diamond Brooch PinBy René BoivinLocated in Brisbane, QLDThis diamond brooch pin has been crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and set with fancy coloured diamonds, manufactured by Rene Boivin. The piece which dates to the 1950s takes the form ...Category
Vintage 1950s French Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
- Mauboussin GRS Certified Burma Ruby Diamond Flower BroochBy MauboussinLocated in New York, NYThe Diamond Ruby Flower Brooch, signed by Mauboussin, is an exquisite piece of jewelry that showcases the brand's craftsmanship and attention to detail. This brooch is a true masterp...Category
Mid-20th Century French Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
- Lapis and Agate Lady Bird Gold PinLocated in Hong Kong, HKA tiny wonder crafted with elegance and grace. This charming lady bird comes to life on this gold pin, which is crafted with stunning Lapis and Agate stones totaling 4.30 carats. ...Category
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Brooches
MaterialsAgate, Gold
- Dazzling 18k White Gold Brooche W/ 5.7 Ct Emerald and Natural Diamonds Igi CertLocated in רמת גן, ILA unique and one of a kind bird brooch with a dazzling 4.2-carat freeform natural emerald. It has 1.50 carats of side diamonds which add more to its elegance. The jewelry is made of ...Category
2010s Israeli Brooches
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,371 Sale Price20% OffFree Shipping