Judith Leiber Crystal Shoulder Bag
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Crystal Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Creator:
- Stone:
- Dimensions:Height: 3.75 in (95.25 mm)Width: 6 in (152.4 mm)Depth: 2.5 in (63.5 mm)Length: 22 in (558.8 mm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6579452
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.
- Fabulous Retro Diamond and Citrine BraceletLocated in New Orleans, LAThis is a French Retro Diamond and Citrine Buckle Bracelet from the 1940s. It is crafted from 18k yellow gold with 4 carats of Citrines and 2.5 carats of European Cut Diamonds. The b...Category
Vintage 1940s French Retro Retro Bracelets
MaterialsCitrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
- French Retro Gold and Diamond NecklaceLocated in New Orleans, LAThis is a striking 18k French Retro Diamond Tassel Statement Necklace that will add a touch of elegance to anything it is worn with! The necklace measures 16” with a 3” drop and can ...Category
Mid-20th Century French Retro Drop Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- 18k Gold Diamond Link BraceletLocated in New Orleans, LAThis Fantastic French 18k yellow gold and Diamond Link Bracelet is a staple addition to your jewelry collection.The bracelet is 7.25 inches long with 2.0 carats of brilliant cut diam...Category
Late 20th Century French Retro Retro Bracelets
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- French Emerald and Diamond Tank RingLocated in New Orleans, LAThis ring, because of its shape and and war time era ,is called a Tank Ring. They are worn by both men and women and have a distinctive shape. This ring is set with exceptional deep ...Category
Mid-20th Century French Retro Band Rings
MaterialsDiamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
- 1940s Art Deco Diamond Platinum Filigree RingLocated in New Orleans, LAAntique european cut diamond filigree ring. The center is approx. .75ct, has G-H color and SI clarity. It is surrounded by 20 single cut r...Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
MaterialsWhite Diamond, Platinum
- Mario Buccellati Diamond Yellow Gold Band RingBy BuccellatiLocated in New Orleans, LAElegant textured 18k yellow and white gold band ring decorated with diamonds all around . Signed M. BuccellatiCategory
Vintage 1980s Italian Band Rings
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Judith Leiber Gold Tone Monkey Trinket BoxBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis is the most adorable monkey themed trinket pill box by none other than Judith Leiber! Add a little fun to your daily life and keep this in your b...Category
Vintage 1980s American Boxes and Cases
- Crystal Gem Set Silver Box with Reverse Crystal TopLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1915 Frosted crystal pill or snuff box, measuring 1 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 inch in height. Having a silver hinged top with a mother of Pearl backed reverse crystal of a Col...Category
Vintage 1910s Austrian Boxes and Cases
MaterialsEmerald, Sterling Silver
- Gem Set Giardinetto Frosted Crystal Silver BoxLocated in Riverdale, NYCharming Gem Set Frosted Rock Crystal Silver Box in etched vermeil silver with basket motif set with aquamarines and tiny diamond chips in a border of round sapphires. Giardinetto mo...Category
Vintage 1920s Italian Artisan Boxes and Cases
MaterialsAquamarine, Crystal, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
- A Rock Crystal Box with Enamelled Gold mounts, Algernon Asprey LTD, Sheffield.Located in Paris, FRAn oval, the lid applied with a pink enamel flower and green leaves on which rests a gold butterfly with pierced wings, twisted rope cagework mounts, the base rim engraved 'Designed & enamelled by Philip Barnes, made by Ron Edwards for Algernon Asprey...Category
Vintage 1970s English Boxes and Cases
MaterialsCrystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, Enamel
- Rare Early 1900s Cranberry Hand Cut Gorgeous Crystal Box from SwitzerlandLocated in New York, NYA Spectacular and Rare Antique Hand Cut Hinged Lidded Crystal Box from Switzerland, Circa 1900. Box is beautifully etched with Magnificent Grape and Vineyard Etchings around box. Me...Category
Early 20th Century Boxes and Cases
MaterialsCrystal, Gold, Bronze
$2,750 Sale Price50% Off - Lovely Exquisite 19th Century French Sterling Silver Bointaburet Crystal BoxLocated in New York, NYThe Following Item we are Offering is An Outstanding Museum Quality Handcut French 19th Century Sterling Silver Vanity Bointaburet Jewelry Box, stamped Sterling!! Original Price $15...Category
Antique 19th Century European Boxes and Cases
MaterialsCrystal, Sterling Silver
$750 Sale Price50% Off