1980s Judith Leiber Encrusted Double Frog Expandable Belt
About the Item
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Wallkill, NY
- 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: Wallkill, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Sterling Silver turquoise Old Pawn petit point Concho belt VMBLocated in Wallkill, NYMassive Petit Point Sterling Silver Concho Belt 10 concho's and the belt buckle. This is a beautiful vintage Turquoise Petit Point belt mad...Category
1960s American Belts
- Leopard Print Sheared Mink Velvet Hat Van Dee California 1960sLocated in Wallkill, NYStunning Leopard print and Velvet 1960s hat. Ruched velvet on top with a Brown Bow at the back Measuring 21 in inside - XS Leopard measures 2.3/8 in wide. Please refer to photos for ...Category
1960s Unknown Hats
- Black Beaded Adolfo Pillbox Wool Hat 1960s VintageBy AdolfoLocated in Wallkill, NYWool Adolfo Hat. 1960s Black Studded Pill box Hat. Tiny beading scattered over the hat. 22.5 in diameter. Be sure to check our store front for more fabulous pieces from this collecti...Category
1960s Unknown Hats
- Mod Black Beret Hat Vintage 1960sLocated in Wallkill, NYAlmost looks like a package has been wrapped! Has a Black with Black Bow Measures 20 in diameter Size XS. Reggi of Wilshire, Paris New York. Please check our storefront for hundreds ...Category
1960s American Hats
- Vintage 1960s Chesterfield Original Black White HatLocated in Wallkill, NY1960s Chesterfield Original Black and White Velvet Brimmed hat. Rolled brim. Large Bow at the back. The hat is approx 6-3/4 Small. The brim is 3....Category
1960s American Hats
- Fox Silver tipped Trapper Hat with TailLocated in Wallkill, NYFox Fur Trapper hat with a tail. This is a 22 in. This has a pull string inside to make it smaller if need be. We have more fox hats listed. Pleas...Category
2010s Hats
- Saint Laurent Black Suede Cocco Print Kenya Square Buckle Belt (90/36)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Balck Material: Suede Item Code: 634447 Measures: L 39.5” x W 2” Size: 90 cm / 36 inch Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Louis Vuitton Patent Leather Black Logo Buckle Belt (36/90)By Louis VuittonLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Shiny black Material: Patent leather Code: M9913 Measures: L 41” x W 2.5” Comes With: Dust bag Condition: Excellent. Like new. Pristine. Made in SpainCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Waist Belts
- Saint Laurent Black Cracked Leather Belt (90/36)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecSColor: Black Material: Distressed leather Item Code: 649205 Measures: L 40” x W 1.25” Size: 90 cm / 36 inch Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Chanel Vintage Black Calfskin Sliver CC Buckle Belt (75/30) 2012By ChanelLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Calfskin leather Item Code: B12 [logo] W Measures: L 35” x W 1.75” Size: 75cm /30” Comes With: Box Condition: Good. Light indentations and faint marks to leath...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- Saint Laurent Brown Leather Bracelet Cuff (542012)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Leather Item Code: 542012 Measures: L 6.5” x W 1” Comes With: Dust bag and box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Waist Belts
- S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Jewel Rhinestone Suede Belt Mens DocumentedBy Gianni Versace, Donatella VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a rare jeweled suede belt designed by Donatella Versace for the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2000 collection. This belt debuted as look number 45 on the season's runway an...Category
Early 2000s Italian Belts