Judith Leiber Black Snake Skin Bag W/ Gold Details
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 6 in (15.24 cm)Length: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4811480562
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Lucille de Paris Large Crocodile Top Handle BagBy Lucille de ParisLocated in Los Angeles, CALucille de Paris Large Crocodile Top Handle Bag made in America, comes with coin purse and Lucille de Paris Mirror. In excellent condition. ...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- Lanvin Brown Leather Double Strap Purse W/ Silver HardwareBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Los Angeles, CALanvin Brown Leather Double Strap Purse W/ Silver Hardware. In Excellent Condition. Original Price $1745 Measurements: Height - 8.5 Inches Width - 16.4 Inches Height with Stra...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
- Koret Black Alligator Large Top Handle BagBy KoretLocated in Los Angeles, CAKoret Black Alligator Large Top Handle Bag made in America, comes with attached coin purse and a Kent London pocket Comb. VERY RARE Measurements: Height - 9.5 inches Width - 15 ...Category
1950s American Top Handle Bags
- Bellesto Crocodile Handbag, Circa 1960'sLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black crocodile handbag by Bellesto, from 1960. It has two handles which are 6" high, one main compartment, with three open pockets, and one zipped. It has gold detail on t...Category
1960s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Cordoba Alligator Handbag, Circa 1960'sLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black alligator handbag by Cordoba, from 1960. It has one handle, which is 5" high, one main compartment, with two open pockets, and one zips, with a gold clip closure.Category
1960s Top Handle Bags
- Barnes Shoe Salon Black Crocodile Top Handle French Purse with Gold HardwareLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Barnes Shoe Salon handbag is composed of a striking beautiful black Crocodile. It features gold hardware and interior compartments. In excellent vintage condition. Made in Franc...Category
20th Century French Top Handle Bags
- Pablo Picasso Vintage Bi Color Kelly Flap BagBy Pablo PicassoLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe Vintage Kelly Flap style bag from Pablo Picassi is one of the famed luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This flap bag is made of blac...Category
1980s Italian Top Handle Bags
- HERMES Escapade Black Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware HandbagBy HermèsLocated in Holland, PAHERMES BLACK CHEVRE LEATHER ESCAPADE HANDBAG *Please note, color may not be fully representative of handbag based on monitor and lighting. This handbag is black. This bag is in A-, excellent condition. Features chevre leather exterior and smooth interior. Slit pocket interior. Exterior: Peeling slightly on one corner. Interior: Slight smoke smell. Stamps: We cannot find the stamp but button is stamped Hermes with Hermes Made in France stamps...Category
1990s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel 1992 Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Black Diamond Quilted Work Laptop Briefcase Bag circa 1992 black lambskin diamond quilting single flat top handle front flap closure push-lock fastening main compart...Category
1990s Italian Briefcases and Attachés
- CHRISTIAN DIOR Black Crocodile BagBy Christian DiorLocated in New York, NYChristian Dior Black Crocodile Lady Bag with Gold Hardware 100% Authentic Christian Dior Bag COLOR: Black MATERIAL: Crocodile HARDWARE: Gold ORIGI...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes 35cm Crocodile Cacao Porosus Birkin BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHERMES 35cm Cacao Shiny Porosus Birkin Bag with Silver Hardware 100% Authentic Hermes Birkin Bag MATERIAL: Crocodile HARDWARE: Silver ORIGIN...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Sequin Fendi Logo BaguetteBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow stopping Fendi monogram baguette covered in sequins! This stunning handbag features a plethora of navy, silver and ruby brown sequins alongside brown leather and metal Fendi engraved hardware complimented by a navy sherpa handle. Could this bag get any more unique?! This is the perfect statement piece thats begging to be added to your baguette collection. Shine bright on a night out and pair this with your favorite YSL evening dress and Versace pumps or elevate your casual brunch look by marrying this with some vintage Levis...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières