Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990.
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Length: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Alligator skin, Gold Hardware, Calf skin
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Banner Elk, NC
- Reference Number:
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: Banner Elk, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Gucci Ophidia Flora Motif GG Pattern Mini Round Leather Backpack, Cruise 2020.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Ophidia Flora Motif GG Pattern Mini Round Leather Backpack, Cruise 2020. The classic Gucci GG monogram pattern takes a new look for this spec...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Black Guccissima Leather Medium Emily Chain Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2018.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Black Guccissima Leather Medium Emily Chain Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 2018. The iconic guccissima leather takes a new look on the geometric shaped "Emily" shoulder bag with the c...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Leather Vintage Sherry Web Line Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 1980.By GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Leather Vintage Sherry Web Line Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bag, 1980. This extremely popular and classic Sherry web line bag was originally introd...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Limited Edition Minaudière Black Runway Lucite Wristlet Clutch Bag, 2005.By ChanelLocated in Banner Elk, NCChanel Limited Edition Minaudière Black Runway Lucite Wristlet Clutch Bag, 2005. This extremely rare and highly coveted collectible runway bag made its debut on the Fall/Winter 2005 ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Brown Crocodile Lydie Crossbody Envelope Shoulder Bag, 1980.By HermèsLocated in Banner Elk, NCHermès Brown Crocodile Lydie Crossbody Envelope Shoulder Bag, 1980. This collectors piece is truly an exceptional representation of the Hermès craftsmanship...Category
1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Gucci Glazed Black GG Supreme Canvas Medium Crossbody Unisex Messenger BagBy GucciLocated in Banner Elk, NCGucci Glazed Black GG Supreme Canvas Medium Crossbody Unisex Messenger Bag. This classic Gucci Messenger bag was handcrafted from premium black "GG" print in a glazed canvas with adorning silver brushed double buckle strap. This versatile and fashionable piece has double lined fabric shoulder straps that can be adjusted to ones specific size preference. Buckle flap opens to a fabric lined interior printed with various Gucci logos with one interior zipped pocket, two small slip and one large open pocket. Gucci serial number of "201732/520981" heat stamped to underside of Gucci tag...Category
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Chanel Cc Logo Muff Vintage Rare Limited Edition White Fur SatchelBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel' White CC Rabbit Muff CC Logo Gold hardware Detachable brushed-gold interwoven chain White rabbit fur Filled with down Black satin lining Chai...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Marino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990'sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMarino Black Alligator Crossbody Bag - 1990's. This bag is a timeless piece that is just a trendy now as it was in the 90's. It features a long lea...Category
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- FENDI Zucchino Mini Mama Baguette With Rabbit Embellishments BagBy FendiLocated in Freehold, NJPre-Owned 100% Authentic FENDI Zucchino Mini Mama Baguette With Rabbit Embellishments RATING: B+...Very Good, well maintained, shows minor signs of wear M...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Ice Cube Flap Metallic Silver Leather Shoulder BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Ice Cube 2006-2008 CC logo chain shoulder bag Crafted from silver-tone leather, this Ice Cube CC logo chain shoulder bag features a chain and leather strap, a foldover top wi...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel 2006 Vintage Graffiti Creme Multicolor Mini Square CC Logo Print Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage Graffiti Creme & Multicolor Mini Square CC Logo Print Flap Bag Spring 2006 {Vintage 18 Years} Creme and multicolor CC logo print quilted canvas Chanel Coco Mini Squa...Category
Early 2000s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- RODO 1980s Gold Wicker Coated Straw Vintage 80s Handbag Crossbody Clutch BagBy RodoLocated in San Diego, CAStylish 1980s RODO of Italy gold coated wicker / straw bag ! This beauty is so versatile—it can be worn on the shoulder, cross body, or tuck the chain in to wear it as a minaudière. ...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières