Judith Leiber Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104218126872
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.
- Judith Leiber Tan Ostrich Shoulder BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Tan Ostrich Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Light tan ostrich leather exterior trimmed with gold and silver hardware and attach...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Purple Patent Pocket Box Camera CaseBy ChanelLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Purple Patent Pocket Box Camera Case in excellent condition. metallic Purple patent leather with quilted diamond pattern along front, back and botto...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Fendi Beaded Safari Shoulder BagBy FendiLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis stunning Fendi shoulder bag is in excellent condition. The exterior features a gorgeous sequin and bead leopard pattern trimmed with black leather. The edges are finished with w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Vintage Mark Cross Tan Ostrich Shoulder Bag c1960sBy Mark CrossLocated in Philadelphia, PAVintage Mark Cross Tan Ostrich Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Tan ostrich exterior trimmed with gold hardware. Top leather strap with twist lo...Category
1960s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce and Gabbana Crystal Rhinestone Burlap Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Philadelphia, PADolce and Gabbana Crystal Rhinestone Burlap Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Natural woven burlap/jute exterior with straw fringe edges e...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
- Givenchy Pandora Peacock Leather Shoulder BagBy GivenchyLocated in Philadelphia, PAGivenchy Pandora Peacock Print Leather Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Realistic peacock feather print leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware, top handle, matching removable shoulder strap, and unique box...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede LiningBy Bottega VenetaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLBottega Veneta Dustry Rose Lambskin Small Shoulder Bag w/ Suede Lining. This lovely bag is in good condition with some wear consistent with its age and a zipper that is worn. It fe...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
- Dior Diorama Shoulder Bag Bordeaux PailletsBy Christian DiorLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITDior Diorama model shoulder bag in burgundy leather and multicolor sequins with silver hardware. It has a front flap with interlocking closure. The inter...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- 1970s Pierre Cardin Brown Ultra Suede Snakeskin Logo 70s Bag Clutch CrossbodyBy Pierre Cardin, Pierre Cardin ParisLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing early 1970s PIERRE CARDIN brown ultra suede and snakeskin large bag, clutch or crossbody ! Hinge closure secures everything. Attached gold chain can be tucked in the bag to w...Category
1970s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce New Raffia Pompoms Python BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Hollywood, CADolce & Gabbana new medium raffia bag with multicolor pom poms with python short and long strap. Handle drop 6”,shoulder drop 21” (both detachable). Original tag and dust cover. Due to California...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Henry Beguelin Bag Washed Leather Tassels Hobo Style nwtBy Henry BeguelinLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Henry Beguelin washed leather with detail front, center and the lower sides. Top zipper closure has bone top stitch detail. Braided leather handle. 2 detachabl...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Hobo Bags
- Maxi 2.55 CHANEL gold leatherBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCondition : Very good Country of manufacture : France Collection : 2.55 Material : calf leather Color : golden Dimensions : 34 x 20 x 9 cm Shoulder strap: single 125 cm, double 77 cm Year : 2004 Jewelry : golden metal Valois Vintage Paris...Category
2010s French Shoulder Bags