Judith Leiber Burgundy Python Clutch W/ Leather Shoulder Strap
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Burgundy Python Clutch W/ Leather Shoulder Strap
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 10232-31stDibs: LU7686043231
Judith Leiber
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s (1921–2018) ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer made minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) 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.
Like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber’s minaudières were the result of a happy accident. In 1967, she 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 dazzling 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,” she 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 her 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 Leiber’s handbags). 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 celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find a collection of vintage Judith Leiber handbags and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- Hermès Red Crocodile Kelly Cut ClutchBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Vivid Red Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch is in pristine condition. Hand crafted by skilled artisans; the Kelly Cut is extremely rare...Category
2010s French Clutches
- Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Lambskin and Patent Leather Clutch is in excellent condition. The simple silhouette gets a boost with a mixed texture an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
- Sacs Louis Vuitton Thompson Street BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bilbao, ESLouis Vuitton Red Vernis Thompson Street Red Charming "Thompson Street Bag" shoulder bag in red monogram patent leather, adjustable strap in natural leather allowing the bag to be worn in the hand or on the shoulder. Snap button closure under flap. Lining in red leather, one patch pocket. Collection: Thompson Street Bag Model: Thompson Street Bag Gender: Woman Color: Red Material: Leather Length: 27cm 10,62 inches Height: 21.5 cm 8,46 inches Width: 3 cm 1,18 inches PRADERA Fashion Division...Category
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
$585 Sale Price20% Off - Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized ClutchBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAGORGEOUS Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized Clutch in excellent condition. Bright red alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and top dark red resin roman cameo...Category
1980s Clutches
- Chanel Red Quilted Leather CC Fold Over ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Philadelphia, PAChanel Red Quilted Leather CC Fold Over Clutch in excellent condition. Bright red quilted leather exterior trimmed with matte gold CC logo hardware along front top fold. Two interior...Category
2010s Clutches
- Moschino 30th Anniversary Red Leather ClutchBy MoschinoLocated in Montreal, QuebecMoschino clutch made out of red leather featuring gold tone hardware, moveable "Moschino" letters in the front, a decorative back chain and Moschino 30th Anniversary...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Clutches