Judith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHW
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- 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: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Nancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc HandbagBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in West Palm Beach, FLNancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc Handbag. This bag is in good condition with a few beads being loose and some minor bottom wear. The beads are ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Top Handle Bags
- Larisa Barrera Beaded and Stone Pink Evening BagLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLarisa Barrera Beaded and Stone Pink Evening Bag This small yet elegant bag is in excellent condition. The bag is completely covered in sequins, beads,...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Top Handle Bags
- Lambertson Truex Wicker and Brown Leather HandbagBy Lambertson TruexLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLambertson Truex Wicker and Brown Leather Handbag. This adorable wicker bag by Lamberston Truex is in good condition. The inside material shows some f...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes 40cm Orange Togo Kelly Retourne-2011-SHWBy HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLEven in the world of ultra-luxury handbags, Hermes is more adored by the fortunate few than any other. The Hermes Kelly was named after Grace Kelly was photographed carrying the Herm...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Goldstrom Vintage Goldtone Basket Weave with Grey Marbleized Top Bag, 1950sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGoldstrom 1950s Vintage Goldtone Basket Weave with Grey Marbleized Top Bag. This bag is in fair vintage condition with wear consistent with its age. The inside has visible wear and t...Category
1950s Top Handle Bags
- Versace Suede, Velvet, & Ribbon Woven Speedy Handbag with Snake TrimBy VersaceLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis very collectible Versace Suede, Velvet, & Ribbon Woven Speedy Handbag with Snake Trim. This handbag is in excellent condition with very minor wear. ...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection Green Chevron Pattern BackpackBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection Green Chevron Pattern Backpack 2017 Cruise Coco Cuba Collection. Backpack, cc turn-lock fastening, cotton, other patterns, embossed logo, fr...Category
2010s Italian Backpacks
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Miuccia Prada, PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 31By HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Gold Epsom Bolide 31 is in excellent plus vintage condition; appears never carried. The rounded top satchel is perfectly scaled and be...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- HERMÈS Rouge Grenat & Gris Mouette Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Birkin 35cmBy HermèsLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireHERMÈS Rouge Grenat & Gris Mouette Epsom Leather HSS Special Order Birkin 35cm Retourne Serial Number: A Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Lock, Keys, Clochett...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Etro Steamer Paisley Trunk Suitcase 866601 Brown Coated Canvas Weekend/TravelBy EtroLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 21.6 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 55 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 13.3 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 34 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 6.29 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 16 cm(ap...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30 Boston Bag MM 31lv223sBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: AA0097 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 12" Width: 7" Height: 8.5" Handle Drop: 3" OVERALL EXCELLENT minus CONDITION ( 8.75/10 or A- ) Accessories...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags