Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990.
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Length: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Alligator skin, Gold Hardware, Calf skin
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Banner Elk, NC
- Reference Number:
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: Banner Elk, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Limited Edition World Tour Pochette Félicie GM, 2018.By Louis VuittonLocated in Banner Elk, NCLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene Limited Edition World Tour Pochette Félicie, 2018. This iconic pochette is a piece of Louis Vuitton history that was first introduced in the the early 1900...Category
2010s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Black Guccissima Leather Medium Emily Chain Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2018.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Black Guccissima Leather Medium Emily Chain Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2018. The iconic guccissima leather takes a new look on the geometric shaped "Emily" shoulder bag with the c...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Leather Vintage Sherry Web Line Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 1980.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Leather Vintage Sherry Web Line Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 1980. This extremely popular and classic Sherry web line bag was originally introd...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Ophidia Flora Motif GG Pattern Mini Round Leather Backpack, Cruise 2020.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Ophidia Flora Motif GG Pattern Mini Round Leather Backpack, Cruise 2020. The classic Gucci GG monogram pattern takes a new look for this spec...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Cream Matelassé Calfskin Leather GG Small Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2023.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Cream Matelassé Calfskin Leather GG Small Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2023. The popular matelassé leather takes a new look with a textured geometric shaped with the classic "GG" engraved leather that debuted in the "Gucci Love Parade...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Limited Edition Minaudière Black Runway Lucite Wristlet Clutch Bag, 2005.By ChanelLocated in Banner Elk, NCChanel Limited Edition Minaudière Black Runway Lucite Wristlet Clutch Bag, 2005. This extremely rare and highly coveted collectible runway bag made its debut on the Fall/Winter 2005 ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
- S/S 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Convertible Charcoal Leather Flat BagBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a convertible leather convertible crossbody designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 1997 collection. Debuting in the season's runway presentation, this bag also app...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Minaudière Clutch Rare Vintage Micro Mini Woven Chain Black Satin SatchelBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Vintage Micro Mini Woven Chain Minaudière Clutch 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Iconic cage throughout Stitched CC logo at front 2 Interior zippered pockets Satin...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Whiting and Davis Chainmail Crossbody HandbagBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZSuper festive and fun vintage Whiting and Davis crossbody handbag! This is the perfect going out bag as the chainmail fabric is so special and eye catc...Category
Late 20th Century American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel 2015 Paris Dubai Night Gas Tank Jerry Can Statement Bag Collector's ItemBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2015 Paris Dubai Night Gas Tank Jerry Can Statement Bag Collector's Item Cruise 2015 Paris-Dubai Collection. Gold hardware Single padded top handle G...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Vanity Case Very Rare Vintage 1990’s Houndstooth Black and White Wool BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Very Rare Vintage 1990’s Houndstooth Vanity Case Crossbody Bag Black and white houndstooth fabric with black smooth leather trim Lid with magnetic snap closure Gold-tone ha...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Classic Flap 2.55 Reissue Runway Rare Swarovski Lucky Charms Black BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel bag with Swarovski crystals from the Dubai Resort Cruise Collection. This bag features the chain from the original Chanel flap bags but with a ...Category
Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags