Judith Leiber Pill Box
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Pill Box
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)Width: 1.75 in (4.45 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Metal and crystal
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Topanga, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU09111751238
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.
- Art Deco Cream Celluloid Box circa 1930sLocated in London, GBBeautiful Art Deco cream celluloid box. Measuring length 14.3 cm / 5.6 inches by width 9.6 cm / 3.77 inches, and depth 2.7 cm / 1 inch. The lid has a lov...Category
1930s Jewelry Boxes
- Porcelain Pill or Medicine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain pill or medicine box featuring a triangle shape, a black metal frame decorated with multicolour flowers painted on top, a tarnish tie claps opening. In good vintage condit...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Pate D Iris Medecine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain Pâte d' Iris (soft extract) polychrome pill box featuring a metal frame, a flower claps, leaves painted inside and a polychrome floral decor and text. Hand Painted In good...Category
1960s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Mandolin Pill BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain mandolin pill box featuring a metal frame a crown clasp and a polychrome floral decor. In excellent vintage condition. Made in France. Height 1.5in. (4cm) Length 5.5in. (1...Category
1960s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Réglisse or Licorice Round Medecine BoxLocated in Paris, FRPorcelain Reglisse: Licorice (soft extract) polychrome round pill box featuring a metal frame, a flower claps, leaves painted inside and a polychrome floral decor and text. Hand Pai...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous
- Porcelain Violin Pill or Jewel BoxLocated in Paris, FRLimoges Porcelain violin pill or jewel box featuring a metal frame, a bow claps, leaves painted inside and a top violin on the pink box. Hand Painted In good vintage condition. Widt...Category
1970s French Miscellaneous