Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Flower Motif Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)Length: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167218255032
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Chanel Black Beaded Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZComplete your evening look with this stunning Chanel bag! Circa 1997-1999, this boxy evening bag is crafted from black satin and features a black beaded motif on both sides, a black ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- 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
- Rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud Leather Crossbody Bag Snakeskin FurBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZDo not miss out on this incredibly rare Valentino Garavani B-Rockstud leather crossbody bag in this unique rendition featuring fur and python patchwork!...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Spring 1997 Micro Mini MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZA beautiful vintage Chanel Spring 1997 find! This is a major conversation piece as there won't be a single person who won't notice this gem. Black a...Category
1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Emilio Pucci Rhinestone Evening BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most adorable Emilio Pucci evening bag! Black satin fabric with signature Pucci swirls striped down the front. Two small accent buckles encrusted with crystalline rhinestones. Ex...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Vintage Sequin Fendi Logo BaguetteBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow stopping Fendi monogram baguette covered in sequins! This stunning handbag features a plethora of navy, silver and ruby brown sequins alongside brown leather and metal Fendi engraved hardware complimented by a navy sherpa handle. Could this bag get any more unique?! This is the perfect statement piece thats begging to be added to your baguette collection. Shine bright on a night out and pair this with your favorite YSL evening dress and Versace pumps or elevate your casual brunch look by marrying this with some vintage Levis...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- CHANEL Black Caviar Leather Chevron Gold Hardware Shoulder Maxi Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1993 Collection Caviar Leather Gold Tone Hardware Leather Lining Measures 13.75" W x 9.5" Hx 3.5" D Shoulder Strap Drop 23" Includes Authenticity Car...Category
Late 20th Century Shoulder Bags
- St John Embossed Black Vinyl Diminutive Size Handbag- Shoulder Bag c 1990Located in University City, MOSt John embossed vinyl diminutive size handbag - shoulder bag c 1990 The stylish compact size rounded purse is covered with embossed patent black vinyl that emulates reptile skin ...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Long Rare Vintage Patent Leather Classic Flap Bag Bijoux Chain BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSmall Chanel patent leather quilted flap 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Gold hardware Bijoux chain Two small interior pockets Strap Drop: Single 14.5” Double 8” 4.5” H x 9” W x 2.5” D Mad...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Jean Louis Scherrer Suede Bag with Deco MotifsBy Jean-Louis ScherrerLocated in Alford, MAJean Louis Scherrer shoulder bag in black suede bordered in rust suede, the front border ornamented with Art Deco-style medallions, each centering alternating black and carnelian sto...Category
Late 20th Century French Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Crystal Encrusted Monogram evening clutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber crystal encrusted monogram evening clutch or shoulder bag. This beautiful bag in monogrammed LMJ, in crystal rhinestones set against black rhinestones. The bag frame is...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Brown Leather Ribbed Escada Kelly Hand Bag Never WornBy EscadaLocated in Wallkill, NYKelly Brown Leather Ribbed Leather hand bag. Tags still in hand bag along with dust cover. Gold Tone link chain as shoulder strap. Zippered inside compartm...Category
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières