Judith Leiber Exquisite Massive Jeweled Butterfly Belt circa 1980s
View Similar Items
Judith Leiber Exquisite Massive Jeweled Butterfly Belt circa 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 2.75 in (6.99 cm)Waist: 31 in (78.74 cm)
- Style:c 1980s (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:The gilt metal belt is designed with a massive crystal embellished butterfly belt. The sides are constructed with two bands of gilt metal that have a slight stretch
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7364426323
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.
- Christopher Ross Massive Gilt Metal Lion Buckle Belt c 1984By Christopher RossLocated in University City, MOChristopher Ross Massive 24k gold plated gilt metal lion buckle belt c 1984 The incredible huge scale designer belt is adorned with a dramatic show-stopping gold plated lion head buc...Category
1980s American Belts
$975 Sale Price33% Off - William De Lillo Massive Mixed Metal Butterfly Belt c 1968By William De LilloLocated in University City, MOWilliam De Lillo Massive mixed metal butterfly belt The avant-garde belt is designed with a large chrome metal butterfly buckle The unique belt is ...Category
1960s Unknown Belts
$425 Sale Price42% Off - Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Jeweled gilt metal elephant buckle belt c 1980s The opulent belt is adorned with a large scale brushed gilt metal elephant head buckle; embellished with a collection of glass stones that serves as the eyes & decorate the buckle Paired with an embossed wide beige leather adjustable belt Makes a very chic eye-catching accessory Measurements: The waist size extends from 21 inches up to 35 inches The embossed beige leather belt measures 1.75 inches wide The jeweled elephant...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Belts
- Emilio Pucci Black Suede Strap Belt Made in Italy c 1970sBy Emilio PucciLocated in University City, MOEmilio Pucci Black suede strap belt Made in Italy c 1970s The designer Italian belt is adorned with a sleek chrome and gilt metal circular buckle...Category
1970s Italian Belts
- Alexis Kirk Massive Etruscan Gold Buckle Statement Belt c 1980sBy Alexis KirkLocated in University City, MOAlexis Kirk Massive Etruscan gold buckle statement belt c 1980s The incredible huge scale gilt metal buckle is designed with scrolled and impressed designs. The large scale buckle ...Category
1980s Unknown Belts
- Exotic Italian Wide Snakeskin Fuchsia Suede Belt c 1980sBy Andrea PfisterLocated in University City, MOExotic Italian wide snakeskin fuchsia suede belt c 1980s The unique belt is designed with vibrant dyed snakeskin panels in emerald green, lapis blue & golden yellow colors The ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Belts
- Walker & Hall Antique Victorian Sterling Silver BuckleBy Walker & HallLocated in London, GBWalker & Hall antique Victorian sterling silver buckle, with lovely floral edging decoration. Measuring 7.6 cm / 3 inches by 4.7 cm / 1.85 inches. The buckle is stamped with an anch...Category
Early 1900s English Belts
- Hermès Rare H Logo Belt 223736By HermèsLocated in Dix hills, NYThis item will ship out immediately. Previously owned, unless otherwise stated. Date Code/Serial Number: A in a (square) Made In: France OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 6.75/10 o...Category
20th Century Belts
- Chanel Perfume Bottle Triple Chain BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Perfume Bottle Triple Chain Belt is in beautiful condition. Substantial double layer of gold tone linked chain with a thir...Category
Late 20th Century Belts
- Chanel Vintage Black Leather Chain Charm BeltBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black Leather Chain Charm Belt is in very good vintage condition. Black leather is woven within a gold chain belt. Gold tone suns, stars and lion faces dangle...Category
20th Century Belts
- Chanel Vintage ’93 Leather Woven Chain Link Belt sz 75By ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Vintage ’93 Leather Woven Chain Link Belt Features small leather woven tier with four leaf clover charm Made In: France Year of Production: 1993 Color: Goldtone and black ...Category
1990s French Waist Belts
- Chanel Black Leather Gold Chain Clover Belt NecklaceBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Black and Gold Chain Clover Belt Necklace is in excellent condition. Versatile and classic- a must have for any collection. Gold chain is woven together with ...Category
1990s French Belts