Judith Leiber Peach Velvet Gold Embossed Purse
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Peach Velvet Gold Embossed Purse
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Silk, crystal and metal
- Condition:Perfect.
- Seller Location:Topanga, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU09110251218
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.
- Dior Multicolor Studded Canvas and Leather Bohemian Inspired Shoulder StrapBy Christian DiorLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Dior brings you this super-chic shoulder strap that you can flaunt with your great collection of handbags. The strap is made from studded canvas & leather and is complete with two me...Category
2010s Italian Wallets and Small Accessories
- Stella McCartney Off White Canvas and Faux Leather Stella Logo ToteBy Stella McCartneyLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This alluring tote bag for women has been designed to assist you on any day. Convenient to carry and fashionably designed, the tote is cut with skill and sewn into a great shape. It ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- Gucci Brown Guccissima Leather Bamboo Tassel Zip Around WalletBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Gucci wallet is an immaculate balance of sophistication and rational utility. It has been designed using prime quality materials and elevated by a bamboo tassel. The creation is...Category
2010s Italian Wallets
- Gucci Black Matelassé Leather GG Marmont Belt BagBy GucciLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior that ...Category
2010s Italian Belt Bags
- Escada Y2K Eluna Purse Mint Blue HandbagBy EscadaLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Escada 1990s Eluna Mint Blue Leather Hobo Shoulder Bag - a masterpiece in vibrant elegance! This stunning hobo bag boasts the most beautiful mint blue leather, comple...Category
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Black Epi Louise Strap PM BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Philadelphia, PALouis Vuitton Louise Strap PM bag in good condition. Black electric noir epi leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and mattching black epi LV logo centered hardware. Lift lat...Category
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags