Judith Leiber Black Leather Belt with Silver & Gold bubble Buckle
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 3200-721stDibs: LU259610632
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.
- Chanel Vintage Black Satin Bow with Gold Buckle, Chain and Medalion BeltBy ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Vintage Black Satin Bow with Gold Buckle, Chain and Medalion Belt. This vintage Chanel belt is a luxury addition to any closet. The item features a black satin bow and a large...Category
2010s French Waist Belts
- Oscar de la Renta Beige Leather and Canvas Wide Belt with white beadingBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta Beige Leather and Canvas Wide Belt with white beadingCategory
2010s Italian Belts
- Gucci Ivory Belt w/ Gold "G" Buckle-30By GucciLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGucci Ivory Belt w/ Gold "G" Buckle-30. This amazing Gucci belt is in good condition. It has scratches on the buckle, as shown in picture, and it also has s...Category
Early 2000s Italian Belts
- Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980'sBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Vintage Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980's. This piece is in good vintage condition with discolorations on the gold color that are consistent with ag...Category
1980s American Belts
- Jimmy Choo Black Patent Strappy Sandal Heels - 40By Jimmy ChooLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJimmy Choo Black Patent Strappy Sandal Heels - 40. These adorable Jimmy Choo heels are in excellent condition with only minimal wear to the sole. They feature a simple, but feminin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Salvatore Ferragamo Black Pony Hair Loafers w/ Silver Front Buckle - 7AABy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLSalvatore Ferragamo Black Pony Hair Loafers w/ Silver Front Buckle - 7AA. These shoes have minor wear at the bottom of the soul and a small piece of the rubber underneath that is mi...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- F/W 1995 Gucci by Tom Ford Kate Moss Square G Logo Navy Leather Runway BeltBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a vintage Gucci 'G' unisex belt with a modern design, designed by Tom Ford. This sought after belt is from Tom Ford's first fall collection with the house of Gucci...Category
1990s Italian Belts
- J. Lindeberg Black Cross Leather Strap Men's BeltLocated in Downey, CAJ. Lindeberg Black Cross Leather Strap Men's Belt Description This belt is a crafted of genuine leather black men's size 38 waist features an cross buck...Category
2010s Belts
- Salvatore Ferragamo Chrome Omega sz 36 Belt SF-B0323P-0002By Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Downey, CAHere is a beautiful Salvatore Ferragamo belt with elegant chrome detail the belt is a classy style with signature omega logo buckle design. The belt includes a 5 hole adjustment and ...Category
2010s Spanish Belts
- Dolce&Gabbana Leather Men Belt Size 100 (Large)By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Kaunas, LTItem for sale is 100% genuine Dolce&Gabbana Leather Men Belt Color: Brown (An actual color may a bit vary due to individual computer screen interpretation) ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Belts
- Chanel Lariat Chain Belt with Large Glass Pearl DropBy ChanelLocated in Nice, FRCHANEL antiqued bronze tone lariat curb chain belt featuring a large glass faux pearl drop. Can be worn as a necklace. CC monogram on clasp. Unsigned. Indicative measurements : le...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Belts
- Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Silk Cord BeltBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Nice, FRYVES SAINT LAURENT vintage black passementerie cord belt featuring a gold and silver toned heart with crystal embellishement. One size fits all. Adjustable ...Category
20th Century French Belts