Judith Leiber Pink Swarovski Crystal Minaudière Clutch Evening Bag Purse
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Studio City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3571050382
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: Studio City, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Pierre Cardin Space Age Pink Satin Mini Dress w/Circle Motif ca.1969By Pierre CardinLocated in Studio City, CAThis luxurious 1969 pink satin shift mini-dress is a masterful example of Pierre Cardin’s “Space Age” creations. With its recti-linear shape that stands away from the body, Cardin fr...Category
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Chanel Cream Silk Charmeuse Blouse w/Neckties & Pleated TrimBy Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Chanel cream silk charmeuse blouse with knife pleated trim at the neckties and sleeve cuffs. Features hidden button closures down center front and goldtone CC logo buttons at...Category
1980s French Blouses and Tops
- Bill Gibb F/W 1972 Ivory Moss Crepe GownBy Bill GibbLocated in Studio City, CABill Gibb 1972 Fall/Winter ivory moss crepe evening gown with curved collar and sleeve cuffs, fabric-covered buttons, raglan sleeves, voluminous gored skirt and yellow and black top...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1971 Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Lips Print DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Studio City, CAThe celebrated 1971 Yves Saint Laurent lips print dress from the collection that was panned when it came out but now universally revered. We are so luc...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 1970's Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Maxi Dress w/Multicolored Floral & Star PrintBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Studio City, CA1970's Yves Saint Laurent polished cotton abstract floral and star print maxi dress with an empire waistline, button-down collar neckline w/green buttons, 3/4 sleeves, hidden side po...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- Valentino Haute Couture Floral Print Silk Chiffon Blouse & Skirt EnsembleBy ValentinoLocated in Studio City, CA1970's Valentino haute couture floral print silk chiffon blouse with flounced sleeves and skirt ensemble. Skirt wraps at the waist band and ties at the front with pink silk cords. In...Category
1970s Italian Day Dresses
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Louis Vuitton Ecru Monogram Leather Limited Edition Olympe Nimbus GM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Brimming with elegance and beauty, this Louis Vuitton bag will instantly amp up your ensemble. Made using the best materials, this authentic LV Limited Edition Olympe Nimbus GM is a ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Zagliani Cream Python HoboBy ZaglianiLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Swing and twirl in every stride and let your audience gasp in admiration at the beautiful sight of this Zagliani hobo. We rarely get to see a bag as gorgeous as this one. It has been...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Louis Vuitton Brown/White Monogram Charms Leather and Vinyl Linda BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Indulge in timeless luxury with this LV bag for women. Meticulously crafted, this exquisite accessory embodies elegance, functionality, and style, making it the ultimate style compan...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Dolce & Gabbana Reptile PochetteBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITDolce & Gabbana super chic and trendy pochette Real reptile Amber rock color Metal DG Metal chain Double authomatic button closure Internal poket Cm 21 x 11 (8.2 x 4.3 inches) World...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2006 Spring Runway Vintage Mini Resin Pillbox Crossbody Clutch MinaudièreBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel resin pillbox limited edition runway minaudière 2006 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Silver hardware Circular resin design with CC logo Black leather interior lining 2.25”W x 4”H x 2”D...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières