Judith Leiber Rare Vintage Alligator Kelly Flap Bag
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)Length: 10 in (25.4 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2311212827062
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: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Pablo Picasso Vintage Bi Color Kelly Flap BagBy Pablo PicassoLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Vintage Kelly Flap style bag from Pablo Picassi is one of the famed luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This flap bag is made of blac...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Rare Vintage Black Caviar Weekender Travel Duffle Shopper BagBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- NEW LOUIS VUITTON Rare Fuchsia Runway Cartoon Art Firebird Limited Edition BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe extremely rare LOUIS VUITTON Fuchsia Cartoon Firebird, the most luxurious of them all. One of a kind and only a few were released Worldwide in 2008! Cartoon Limited Collection ba...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Rare Chanel Plush Terry Cloth Maxi Weekender Travel Beach Shopper ToteBy ChanelLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Chanel always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The rare bag takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Chanel House...Category
1990s Italian Tote Bags
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Taiga Leather Pilot BriefcaseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in travel bag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Louis Vuitton always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. The beautiful circa 2004 briefcase takes timeless creation to a new level of sophistication and charm. Made from the finest materials that you would expect from the Louis Vuitton House...Category
Early 2000s French Briefcases and Attachés
- Judith Leiber Vintage Silk Crystals Flap 2-Way Clutch Shoulder Tassel BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Judith Leiber always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. This beautiful bag takes timeless creation...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Black patent leather hand-bag LancelLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRBlack patent leather hand-bag. Cotton Toile de Jouy lining. 2 front pockets with magnet snap button and a third one with zip closure. Drawstring on both side ended with pompoms. Slap...Category
2010s Unknown Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Black Brushed Leather Large ToteBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAChanel balck brushed tiles large leather tote, handle drop 11.5". Collection 14, 2011. lightweigth for all seasons . Comes with hologram and origina...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM handbag, top handle, 1998By Louis VuittonLocated in NEWARK, GBA gorgeous classic, Vintage Louis Vuitton Alma MM top handle handbag. Coated canvas with the signature LV monogram design, Vachetta leather trim and handles with gold tone hardware. Lined in brown cotton fabric...Category
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Bag in Black Patent Vinyl Circa 1990By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1990/2000 France Vintage handbag in black patent vinyl imitating scratched skin by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the late 2000s. Inspired by the 1940s and Saharan spirit...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- S/S 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Debut Black Crocodile Bamboo Top Handle Frame BagBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting No one knows how to sell sexy better than designer Tom Ford. As part of his debut collection at Gucci, this bag embodies his dedication to eleva...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel New Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNew Chanel Tweed Space Flight Handle Logo Rare Limited Edition Backpack Fall Spring 2016 Blue navy tweed Top Handle Front pocket Decorative patches Firm ...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks