Judith Leiber Couture White and Black Crystal & Pearl Decor Sunglasses and Case
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Munich, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU785312330642
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: Munich, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Judith Leiber Couture Jeweled 'Bluebell' Crimson & Blue Sunglasses with CaseBy Judith LeiberLocated in Munich, DEFor more than 50 years, Judith Leiber’s evening bags, crystal minaudières and other accessories have been recognized worldwide for their attention to detail. Many of the minaudières are part of the permanent design archives of museums across the globe. These sophisticated vintage Judith Leiber Couture...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Sunglasses
- Christian Dior Model D06 Gradient Amber Khaki Oversized Sunglasses, 1970sBy Christian DiorLocated in Munich, DEThese show-stopping and ultra-rare Christian Dior D06 sunglasses feature an oversized bi-coloured butterfly-shaped frame. The frame is made in Optyl with the fading of colours from a...Category
1970s Unknown Sunglasses
- Woven Silvery Gold Tone Metal Thread Buckle and Belt c. 1970sLocated in Munich, DEUnique c. 1970s woven metal thread belt with metal disk buckle. The alluring artisanal belt features a round metal disk buckle covered with woven patinized silvery gold tone metal threads. The buckle is set on a smooth metal wire belt...Category
1970s Unknown Belts
- 2005 JUDITH LEIBER Crystal Embellished Gold Tone Double Stretch Metal BeltBy Judith LeiberLocated in Munich, DESynonymous with American luxury, Judith Leiber handbags and accessories are stylish, sophisticated and often whimsical. This is an eye-catching and elegant signed and dated Judith L...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Belts
- Cinnamon Brown Smooth Leather Gloves with Perforation Detailing, 1960s/1970sLocated in Munich, DE"And her old Uncle William used to say, a lady is known by her shoes and her gloves." – Virginia Woolf. Featuring beautiful diamond-shaped perforation lines, these cinnamon brown wr...Category
1970s Unknown Gloves
- Shades of Beige and Brown Crocodile Print Leather Top Handle Bag Purse, 1960sLocated in Munich, DEThis crocodile print leather top handle bag shows a beautiful colour gradient from beige (matt central panel) to brown (glossy sides) on the front whereas the glossy back is monochro...Category
1960s Top Handle Bags
- Vintage Helena Rubinstein Candy Red Quilted Sunglasses FranceLocated in Baleares, BalearesVintage Helena Rubinstein candy red quilted frame with light lenses. Made in France. Please notice this item is nearly 50 years old and may show mi...Category
1970s French Sunglasses
- New Vintage Christian Dior 2562 Gold & Tortoise 1980's SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew Vintage Christian Dior 2562 gold frame with tortoise temples. Light gradient lenses. Made in Germany. Produced and design in 1980's. New, never worn or displayed. This item ...Category
1970s German Sunglasses
- Vintage Miss Dior Two Tone Amber Mask Light Brown Lenses 70'S Austria SunglassesBy Christian DiorLocated in Baleares, BalearesVintage Super Rare Christian Dior Miss Dior Oversized Mask Two Tone Amber Light Medium Brown lenses. New Never Worn This Piece Could Show Wear Due To Storage. Made In Austria. M...Category
1970s Austrian Sunglasses
- New Vintage Anglo American Optical Gold M85 Flip Top Sunglasses 1960'SBy Anglo American OpticalLocated in Baleares, BalearesHighly collectable sunglasses signed by English Anglo American Optical. Flip top system. Spotless pair of grey lenses. This pair could show minor sign of wear due to storage. Mad...Category
1980s English Sunglasses
- Vintage Cartier Driver Gold Plated 60 Frame France 1990 SunglassesBy CartierLocated in Baleares, BalearesNew condition 1990 Cartier Driver 60 [] 18 Sunglasses with brown (uv protection) lenses. All hallmarks. Cartier gold signs on the ear paddles. These are...Category
1990s French Sunglasses
- Versace brown swarovski sunglasses NWOTBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Capri, ITVersace brown swarovski sunglasses NWOTCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Sunglasses