Judith Leiber Full Bead Minaudiere Chain Evening 1ma4 Silver X Gold Crystals
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Dix hills, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2409214344582
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: Dix hills, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Crossbody Juliette 872637 Navy Blue Monogram Mini Lin Canvas BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 8.26 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 21 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 4.33 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 11 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 17.7 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 45 cm(ap...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Blue Glacier Bubblegram Alma BB with Strap 6LK0223By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: RFID Chip Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9" Width: 4.25" Height: 6.5 " Handle Drop: 2.75" OVERALL NEW CONDITION ( 10/10 or N ) Accessories: Tags, ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Other Supreme Gg Monogram 5g69 Brown Coated Canvas Cross Body BagLocated in Dix hills, NY7" x 2" x 5" 24" strap drop 5" handle drop Good vintage Condition (6.5/10 or BC) Leather trim has rubbing and wear. Hardware is tarnished Interior has dry peelingCategory
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Balenciaga Light Everyday Zip Pouch 868540 Grey Leather ClutchBy BalenciagaLocated in Dix hills, NYWidth (inch) : 12.9 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 33 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.90 inch(approx) Color : Grays Materia...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Verona Bowling Bag 126lv47By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: DU0183 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 6.5" Height: 8" Handle Drop: 7" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B) Accessories: Clochette, Loc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Speedy 30 Boston Bag 715lvs622By Louis VuittonLocated in Dix hills, NYDate Code/Serial Number: DU3069 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 12" Width: 7" Height: 9.5" Handle Drop: 4" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Ca...Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Loro Piana Blue ostrich handle bag clutchBy Loro PianaLocated in Capri, ITLoro Piana Blue ostrich handle bag clutch totally made in italyCategory
1990s Italian Clutches
- Louis Vuitton NIB Paint Can Monogram PurpleBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton collectible purple white monogram paint can bag. Shoulder strap 23” adjustable and detachable; handle drop 3”. Comes with orig...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Verso Mushroom / Biscuit Bag Gold Hardware EvercolorBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes 1923 Bolide Mini Verso bag featured in Mushroom and Biscuit. Beautiful in size and detail! Mushroom exterior with a Biscuit int...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Jean-Claude Jitrois "Renaissance" Blue Leather BagBy Jean-Claude JitroisLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRJean-Claude Jitrois (Made in France) Handbag in blue lambskin with silver-plated hardware. It is decorated with a pattern inspired by Andrea Mantegna's painting" The bridal chamber" ...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Renaud Pellegrino Ribbon BagBy Renaud PellegrinoLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRRenaud Pellegrino (Made in France) Handbag made of silk in a grey pearly color, adorned with a purple ribbon. Flat pocket inside. Additional information: Dimensions: Length: 14 cm ...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Emilio Pucci Multicolor Leather and Canvas BagLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRPucci - (Made in Italy) Leather and canvas bag multicolor. Good general condition, to report signs of wear present. Additional information: Dimensions: Height: 30 cm, Length: 39 cm...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags