Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)Width: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:Seller: 10489-81stDibs: LU7687155982
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.
- Special Bottega Veneta Metallic Weaved Leather and Snakeskin Fold Over ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Port Hope, ONThis a spectacular Bottega Veneta Leather Metallic Weave Fold Over Clutch with snakeskin braided strap and trim. The colors are gold and brown and hanging from the strap is a golden ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
Sold$4201 bidNo Reserve - Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Félicie Strap & Go PochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The Louis Vuitton Félicie Strap & Go Pochette has the Félicie Pochette, a jacquard strap, and a removable pouch. The design is crafted from Monogram canvas and gold-tone hardware. It...Category
2010s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Edouard Rambaud Mini Satin Evening Bag with CrystalsBy Edouard RambaudLocated in Austin, TX1980s Edouard Rambaud Mini Satin Evening Bag with Metal Handle with Crystals. Condition: Excellent. 7.5"L x 5.5"W x 5"HCategory
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1980s Ungaro Green and Black Bag Patterned Leather with TasselsBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toronto, Ontario1980s Emanuel Ungaro evening/dinner bag. Gorgeous green and black patterned leather with contrasting gold tone hardware. Flap front with snap closure. Black twisted ribbon shoulder s...Category
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- 1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Toronto, OntarioLovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Philadelphia, PAJudith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with sparkling black rhinestone body, silver hardware and black silk shoulde...Category
1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières