Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104218019292
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: Philadelphia, PA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Judith Leiber Natural Tan and Brown Snakeskin ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Natural Tan and Brown Snakeskin Clutch in excellent condition. Tan and brown python exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones. Side pull lat...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Bronze Snakeskin ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Judith Leiber Bronze Snakeskin Clutch in very good condition. Bronze pleated snakeskin exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones along top edges. Top kiss...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator Clutch in good condition. Natural light tan hornback alligator exterior trimmed with silver and gold ha...Category
1980s Clutches
- Vintage Red Alligator XL ClutchLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Red Alligator XL Clutch in good condition. red alligator in rare and unique xl large size trimmed with gold hardware. Top double side clip closur...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch in very good vintage condition. Red embossed suede exterior with exotic alligator print trimmed with gold...Category
1980s Clutches
- Judith Leiber Red Lizard Tassel Charm Strap Clutch Shoulder BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Red Lizard Tassel Charm Strap Clutch Shoulder Bag in fair vintage condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with matching red tassel detail and gold hardware. Interchangeab...Category
1980s Clutches
- Hermés Amethyste Crocodile ClutchBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYThe Hermés bag embodies the quintessence of style and luxury due to its impeccable design, craftsmanship, and significance. That being said, it is the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Caramel Intrecciato Leather Mini The Pouch BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Elevate your style with this Bottega Veneta bag. Merging form and function, this exquisite accessory epitomizes sophistication, ensuring you stand out with elegance and practicality ...Category
2010s Italian Clutches
- Judith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag with Stone Buckle Front.By Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Tan Karung Snake Handbag Clutch with Stone Buckle Front. A beautiful piece by the talented Judith Leiber, this karung snake clutch/handbag ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Clutches
- No brand Vintage pochette size UnicaLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), ITCorals/jaisse Honey color Single metal handle Cm 18 x 23 (7 x 9 inches), handle excludedCategory
2010s Italian Clutches
- Carvela Italian Animal Print Gold Highlights Faux Leather Shoulder / Clutch BagLocated in London, GBStylish Carvela animal print faux leather bag with gold highlights, and a magnetic clasp. Measuring width 22.1 cm / 8.7 inches at the base, height 16.2 cm / 6.37 inches, and with a s...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Olympia Le Tan Humour Into Money ClutchLocated in London, GB-Hand embroidered silk thread and felt appliqué -Brass frame -Lining made with floral fabric -Limited edition numbered 6/16 -Comes with original dust bag & box -Very Good Condition:...Category
2010s Clutches