Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Philadelphia, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU104220182222
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.
- Chanel Mini Black Patent Leather Classic Shoulder BagLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Mini Black Patent Leather Classic Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Smooth black patent leather exterior trimmed with matte gold hardware. Signature woven chain and leather...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Castillian Red Epi Noe Drawstring Bucket BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Philadelphia, PALouis Vuitton Castillian Red Epi Noe Drawstring Bucket Bag in good condition. red epi leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and leather. top drawstring closure opens to a red s...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Louis Vuitton Blue Toldeo Epi Noe Drawstring Bucket BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Philadelphia, PALouis Vuitton Blue Toldeo Epi Noe Drawstring Bucket Bag in good condition. Blue epi leather exterior trimmed with golden brass hardware and smooth leather. Top drawstring closure ope...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
- Gucci Dionysus Pink Guccify Small Shoulder Bag NWOTBy GucciLocated in Philadelphia, PAGucci Dionysus Pink Guccify Small Shoulder Bag in new unused condition. Pink pebbled leather exterior trimmed with antiqued silver hardware. Pearl ...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Dolce and Gabbana Brown Mink Fur Shoulder BagBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Philadelphia, PAThis exotic Dolce & Gabbana shoulder bag is in excellent condition. The exterior features gorgeous brown leather trimmed with matching brown mink fur with antiqued bronze hardware an...Category
Early 2000s Hobo Bags
- Judith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag in very good vintage condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and gold chain shoulder st...Category
1980s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Bright Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag with Mixed metal HardwareBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Purple Lambskin Small 19 Bag is in pristine condition. Released in 2019, the pillowy soft oversized quilts and mixed metals are a beautiful addition to the cla...Category
2010s European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Prada Saffiano Lux Promenade Top Handle BagBy Prada, Miuccia PradaLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis Prada Saffiano Promenade handbag is the definition of understated elegance! Prada presents a neutral rendition of their iconic Promenade handbag in this versatile beige shade complimented by yellow gold hardware. The structure of this handbag is so sleek and modern, and the inside is so functional that you are never going to get enough wear out of this handbag. The inside is broken up into 3 different sized compartments all designed with different pockets/storing features to ensure your belongings stay organized and secure! Lined with the most stunning Prada logo satin, this bag is as luxurious as it is wearable! Pair this with an Hermes skirt...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Blue Escale Monogram Coated Canvas & Blue Calfskin Leather NéoNoéBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Blue Escale Monogram Coated Canvas & Blue Calfskin Leather NéoNoé MM Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- NéoNoé MM Product Type- Shoulder Serial Number- SP**** Age- Circa 2020...Category
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Large 19 Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Black Lambskin Leather Quilted Large 19 Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2020 Color: Black Hardware: Antiqued goldtone, ruthenium, and dark silver Materials: Leather, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French 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
- Jimmy Choo Metallic Large Hobo ToteBy Jimmy ChooLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJimmy Choo Metallic Large Hobo Tote has a bronze/gold tone to it. The leather has that distressed look to it. The top of the bag has a V Shaped dual zip closure with a hanging leathe...Category
2010s Italian Hobo Bags