Rare Vintage Judith Leiber Crystal Chantelaine Minaudiere Production Sample
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104212821792
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: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Rose Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag ClutchLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Pink Red Swarovski Crystal Rose Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with pink and red swarovski crystals in rose print and...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Alligator Mini Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Alligator Mini Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black alligator exterior trimmed with a crystal silver top button closure. Black silk interior with one slit si...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
- MCM Vintage Mini Black Ostrich Handbag with Rhinestone BucklesBy MCMLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Mini MCM handbag in excellent vintage condition. Black ostrich leather trimmed with silver hardware and sparkling rhinestone buckle details...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag ClutchBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Gucci Black Silk Crystal Front Beaded Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with silver/clear rectangle crystals...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PABEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware and pearl top push b...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Evening Bag ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with top gold hardware and clear swarovski crystals. Lift latch ...Category
1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Marino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990'sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMarino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990's. This bag is a timeless piece that is just a trendy now as it was in the 90's. It features a long lea...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel BNIB Black Gold Metal Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in West Hollywood, CAChanel brand new black lambskin evening bag with front gold logo quilted metal plate. Leather threaded gold chain drops 21.5". Collection 2021. Comes with serial number, booklet, dus...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Bobbie Jerome 1950s Velvet Handbag with Bakelite HandlesLocated in Water Mill, NYA gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Minaudière Moscow Leo Runway Rare So Black Charcoal Grey Metal ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Minaudière Moscow Leo Runway Rare So Black Charcoal Grey Metal Clutch Metal in a quilted pattern Crinkled patent leather Toggles that open like a c...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- 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
- 1960's Vintage Beaded BagLocated in London, GBThis vintage hand-made beaded bag from the 1960s features Autumn hues with snap lock closure and a black handle. Fully lined in black satin, this bag has one open interior pocket and...Category
1960s Evening Bags and Minaudières