1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Length: 31 in (78.74 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- 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: North Hollywood, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Alexander McQueen Waist Belt Cotton Embroidered India InspiredBy Alexander McQueenLocated in North Hollywood, CAAlexander McQueen's waist belt inspired by the handicraft of the Rajasthan Mughal textile. Alexander Mcqueen mirror work colorful India inspi...Category
2010s Italian Belts
- Men's Canali Brown Leather Belt Textured Italy 48/85By CanaliLocated in North Hollywood, CACanali Italian Texture brown Leather Belt Vitello Stampato. Textured brown Pebbled Leather Belt size 48/85. Made in Italy. Measures approx: 37" (leather only) from end to the 1st hol...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Belts
- Handcrafted Pink Bohemian Waist Belt Embroidered on SilkLocated in North Hollywood, CAGrace your waistline with this saree embroidery Bohemian fuchsia pink belt. This hot pink belt is designed to give a very stylish bohemian look for your outfit. Handcrafted maggam work waist belt embroidered on silk cloth. Material: Silk Brocade fabric...Category
Late 20th Century Indian Waist Belts
- Vintage African Beaded Tie Waist Belt in Turquoise Seed Beads Cowries Sea ShellLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage African Waist Belt Decorated with Cowries Sea Shells Handcrafted Boho style beaded tie belt in Turquoise color seeds, shells and beads. Vintage African waist Belt decorated ...Category
Mid-20th Century African Belts
- ETRO Leopard-Print Leather Belt with the Iconic Pegaso Brass BuckleBy Etro, Veronica EtroLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage ETRO leopard-print leather belt, nude calf leather leopard print with punch-hole detailing adjustable fit and metal with Pegaso cut out brass buckle fastening. Brass bucle cut out with the iconic Pagaso horse with wings...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Belts
- Marni Black Leather Waist Belt with Gold Metal BowBy MarniLocated in North Hollywood, CAMarni black leather belt with gold bow. Women black lamb leather belt with bow by Marni. Utterly chic never worn early 2000s Marni leather bow belt. Can really take a basic outfit ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Belts
- Hermes Belt Kit 85cm Gold and Black Reversible H 32mm Gold Tan Buckle GIFT NEW!By HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Gold and Black Reversible H 32mm Belt Kit Silver Buckle 85cm Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition. Perfect gift! Belt kit comes in full set with reversible black and gold belt strap, gold buckle, Hermes dust bag for belt buckle, and Hermes orange box. Gold (tan camel color) on one side with classic black on the other side make this reversible two-color belt kit perfect for any ensemble. This iconic Hermes color combination is always sold out of stores! 32mm model measures 1.25" in strap width. 85cm size usually fits jean size 26 to 31, depending on how high or low you wear your jeans. Such an iconic Hermes look...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts
- Vintage Valentino Garavani rhinestone V-bucke textured leather belt, 2000sBy Valentino GaravaniLocated in New York, NYVintage Valentino Garavani belt in textured leather with rhinestone and enamel V-buckle. Size: 80cm Length – 100 cm Buckle – 9.5 x 5 cm Very go...Category
Early 2000s Italian Belts
- Sculptural Bronze and Boris Aurelius Glass Stones Belt Buckle Studio VintageLocated in North Miami, FLThis studio one of a kind large and bold bronze sculptural designed belt buckle by Perella is most likely Italian. It has has boris aurelius glass stones wi...Category
1960s Belts
- CHANEL CC Gold Metal Heart Charm Chain Link Waist BeltBy ChanelLocated in Chicago, ILPre-Owned Vintage Condition From 1995 Collection Metal Gold Tone Total Length 38" Width 1" Charm Diameter 1.75" Includes Box 100% Authenticity Guaranteed by NEWFOUND LUXURYCategory
Late 20th Century Belts
- Hermes Constance 42 mm Belt Etoupe & White Brushed Gold Buckle 105By HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in reversible Etoupe to White. Fabulous over sized brushed gold signature H buckle. The 42 mm...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts
- Hermes Belt Constance 42 mm Gold / Craie Brushed Gold Buckle 105By HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Constance 42 mm belt featured in reversible Gold to Craie Epsom leather. Fabulous over sized brushed Gold signature H buckle. ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts