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 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.
- Mid Century Modern Aksel Holmsen Floral Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch PinBy Aksel HolmsenLocated in Montreal, QCBeautiful Aksel Holmsen Floral Yellow and Green Guilloche Enamel Gilt Sterling Silver Brooch Pin; marked: NORWAY STERLING 925S with Aksel Holmsen trademark. C1950s. A perfect complem...Category
Vintage 1950s Norwegian Modernist Brooches
MaterialsGold Plate, Sterling Silver
$350 Sale Price22% OffFree Shipping - Ivar Holth White Enamel Sterling Silver Starfish Brooch Pin Norway Estate FindBy David AndersonLocated in Montreal, QCVintage Mid-century David Andersen Beautiful white Enamel Guilloche gilt sterling silver Starfish brooch signed with Ivar Holth's "H" hallmark, 925 STERLING NORWAY; Stunning with abs...Category
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Swarovski Retro Tassel Pin BroochLocated in Montreal, QCA stunning Retro stylized figural Tassel pin set with clear round Swarovski Crystals; approx. length: 2”. Circa: 1950s. A Sparkly Classic to add pizzazz to...Category
Vintage 1950s Modernist Brooches
- Kramer Retro 1950s Swarovski Leaf PinBy Kramer of New YorkLocated in Montreal, QCA Stunning Classic stylized Retro Leaf brooch pin set with clear marquis-cut and rectangular-cut Swarovski Crystals; signed KRAMER of NEW YORK. So Beautiful in real! Add Pizazz and ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Retro Brooches
- Designer Red and Black Bakelite Bow Ribbon Pin BroochLocated in Montreal, QCFabulous Designer Chunky Red and Black Bakelite Layered Bow Tie Ribbon Pin Brooch. For that Special Someone, including You!Category
Vintage 1980s Modernist Brooches
- Dynamic Rebajes Mid Century Modern Copper Coil Brooch PinBy RebajesLocated in Montreal, QCFeaturing a Copper Coil center design with darkened area behind the coil for added depth and. Signature: Rebajes on the back.Approx. size: 2.25" x 2". C1950s Fabulous and Unique as ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Modernist Brooches
MaterialsCopper
- Ladybug-Shaped Pendant and Brooch with Enamel of Various ColorsLocated in Rome, ITThe pendant in the shape of a ladybug with open wings, can be worn both as a pendant and as a brooch. The ladybug is decorated with transparent enamels of various colors. Its manufa...Category
Antique 19th Century Retro Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsEnamel
- Otto Strandman Art Nouveau 1914 Bacchus Silver Brooch, Stockholm SwedenLocated in Skanninge, SEBacchus the wine god by Otto Strandman (1871-1960), Stockholm 1914. Wonderful Swedish Art Nouveau silver brooch. Great condition, no issues. With full s...Category
Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Brooches
MaterialsSilver
- Atelier Borgila Stockholm 1944, Modernist Brooch in Gilt Sterling SilverBy Atelier BorgilaLocated in Skanninge, SEVery nice modernist brooch depicting a bird in flight. Gilded sterling silver with maker marks. Fine vintage condition, only some minor scratches. Atelier Borgila was founded by de...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen Denmark BroochBy Harald NielsenLocated in Skanninge, SEA fine brooch by Harald Nielsen for Georg Jensen. Made during world war II. It is made in silver and patinated steel. This was something they did because of the war. Marked "HN GEOR...Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver, Stainless Steel
- Matti J Hyvarinen a Set of Necklace, Earrings and a Brooch, Sterling, FinlandBy Matti J. HyvärinenLocated in Skanninge, SEA set of necklace, a pair of earrings, and a Brooch in sterling silver by Matti J Hyvarinen Finland. All parts marked "MJH 925". Made in the 1970s. V...Category
Vintage 1970s Finnish Modernist Brooches
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Erik Fleming for Borgila 18k Gold Brooch, Stockholm Sweden, 1944By Atelier BorgilaLocated in Skanninge, SEWonderful 18k gold brooch depicting a flower. Made by Erik Fleming (1894-1954) for Borgila. 18k gold together with one pearl. Great condition, no issues. Diameter 4.5cm (in 1.78)Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Modernist Brooches
Materials18k Gold