Judith Leiber Jeweled Clutch, Black And Clear Crrystals With Silver Strap.
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Length: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Style:Clasic (Of the Period)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Buchanan, MI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU185829599242
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Buchanan, MI
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.Located in Buchanan, MIAnimal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.Category
20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Two Wool/Cashmer Designer Jacketse Blue Houndstooth, Deep Red Reversible Jacket.Located in Buchanan, MITWO WOOL/CASHMERE JACKETS. Comprising of a blue houndstooth jacket, and a red reversible jacket Priced per jacket. Approximately size 10-12Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Coats
- Three Sam Kori Greorge Courture Atelier Boucle Jackets. Approximately size 12-14Located in Buchanan, MIThree Sam Kori Greorge Courture Atelier Boucle Jackets In The Style Of Chanel. Each is a wool boucle collarless jacket in blue, brown, and red. Priced per jacket. Approximately s...Category
20th Century American Single-Breasted Jackets
- Amazing Russian Sable Coat, Double Breasted, 7/8 Coat with Fold Over CuffLocated in Buchanan, MIA Russian sable coat. Double breasted 7/8 sable coat with fold over cuff and a cape collar that can be worn closed around the neck or lower around the bust line. Labeled "Elan Furs"...Category
Late 20th Century Russian Swing Coats
- Chanel Orylag Triple Chain Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBA stylish and Chic Chanel Orylag flap bag from the Fall/Winter 2015 Act 1 Collection. The exterior of this bag features a navy orylag fur with antiqued s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel vintage black satin cc logo letter evening clutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLVery RARE classy and sophisticated while still maintaining an edgy feel CC metal frame magnetic closure interior is lined with CC monogram microfiber interior has interior pocket C...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Chanel 1988 Black Velvet Vintage Kelly Top Handle Minaudière Clutch BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Black Velvet Vintage 80's Micro Mini Top Handle Minaudière Clutch Bag 1988 Spring Summer Haute Couture Gold Hardware Nylon Trim Quilted velvet Kelly style chain top handle...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Bag with Classic Flap Crossbody Rare Enamel Top Handle Black Lambskin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Enamel Top Handle Classic Flap Bag Crossbody Same collection (larger size, different color) as seen on Kate Middleton. Very rare limited e...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel CC Logo Letter Rare Vintage Black Silk Satin ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLExquisite rare small Chanel black satin silver logo CC letter clutch. This evening clutch is made of satin with a large CC logo made of both silver hardware frame and black quilted ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare 2004 Runway Vintage Mini Trunk Vanity Case Lucite Small Minaudière Year: 2004 Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 3" Height: 4" Handle Drop: 4" Cl...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches