Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag in excellent condition.
Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Small Red Alligator Handbag in excellent condition.
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Purse A refined and distinctive design from Judith Leiber, this circular-shaped evening purse is crafted in polished black alligator. The elegant silho...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch in excellent condition. black alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and removable black corded shoulder strap with tassel detail....
Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator trimmed with silver hardware and top crystal button closure. pink satin interior with attached silver c...
Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Embossed Alligator Clutch in very good vintage condition. Red embossed suede exterior with exotic alligator print trimmed with gold hardware. Side pull lock closure...
Judith Leiber Black Embossed Suede Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Embossed Alligator Clutch in excellent condition. Black embossed suede exterior in an alligator print trimmed with gold hardware. Top button closure opens to a bl...
Judith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Natural Tan Hornback Alligator Clutch in good condition. Natural light tan hornback alligator exterior trimmed with silver and gold hardware. Top side pull lever closur...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Alligator Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Black alligator trimmed with gold hardware and double snake chain shoulder strap. 2 exterior side slit pock...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Mini Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Mini Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black alligator exterior trimmed with a crystal silver top button closure. Black silk interior with one slit si...
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator XL Oversized Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS 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 d...
Judith Leiber Pink Alligator Box Clutch With Crystal Closure
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
FABULOUS JUDITH LEIBER pink alligator box clutch in excellent condition. Pink alligator exterior trimmed with silver hardware and a stunning clear swarovski crystal detail. Lift la...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
STUNNING Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Shoulder Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Black alligator leather exterior trimmed with a front black and gold sliding latch closure ...
Vintage Judith Leiber Midnight Blue Alligator & Lapis Lazuli Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This rare and exquisite vintage Judith Leiber handbag is crafted from luxurious navy alligator leather with a rich, glossy finish.
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Clutch with Amethyst Gemstones c1980s in very good condition. Shiny black alligator leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a unique cen...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag in very good condition. Black alligator embossed exterior trimmed with sparkling rhinestone corded handle straps. Fron...
1960s Judith Leiber Albino-Color Alligator Box Bag or Travel Case w Top Handle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Judith Leiber Albino-Color Alligator Box Bag or Travel Case w Top Handle: This extremely rare structured handbag/travel case is quite streamline in its design.
Judith Leiber Antiqued Silver Alligator Clutch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Antiqued Silver Alligator Clutch in excellent condition. Antiqued silver alligator exterior with black accents and top lifting closure. Black satin lined interior with ...
Iconic Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Jewel Encrusted Frame
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Spectacular Judith Leiber handbag in black alligator with a jewel encrusted frame.
Judith Leiber Shiney Black Alligator Evening Bag/Clutch With Gold Chain.
By Judith Leiber
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Offered for sale is this lovely Judith Leiber Baby Alligator evening bag/clutch with gold hardware and 25" chain. The chain can be put inside to carry as a clutch. This is a vi...
Judith Leiber Glazed alligator handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber chocolate brown glazed alligator handbag or clutch, with 2 changeable handles, one gold chain and one gold handle set with crystals, these are added via crystal and gol...
Judith Leiber Taupe Vintage Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Taupe Vintage Alligator Handbag Length 10" Height 8" Depth 2"
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Kelly Handbag w/ GHW
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Kelly Handbag w/ GHW.
Judith Leiber Vintage Alligator Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
Red aligator leather bag from Judith Leiber Vintage featuring a snap fastening, a skinny shoulder strap, an interior pocket with logo plaque and a separate purse and comb.
Judith Leiber Vintage Alligator Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
Red aligator leather bag from Judith Leiber Vintage featuring a snap fastening, a skinny shoulder strap, an interior pocket with logo plaque and a separate purse and comb. W: 17cm...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Clutch with art deco design and jade. GHW. Includes accessories. Drop handle is 19.5 inches.
Judith Leiber Handbag - Brown Gold Alligator Leather Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening bag in chocolate brown alligator leather featuring gathered pleat details, double handles with gold tone hardware, button clasp closure, and optional sk...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Skin Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Skin Clutch with Diamond & Black Buckle. This bag is in excellent condition and comes with a strap. Measurement: Height- 5" Length- 8" Depth- 2.5" ...
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator & Sating Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator & Sating Evening Bag. This bag is in impeccable condition and has a rhinestone brooch clasp accent. It comes with a comb, compact, coin purse, Jud...
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H 7.5 in D 3.5 in L 6.5 in
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990.
By Judith Leiber
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990. Exceptional and rare, this highly sought after piece of Judith Leiber history was produced between 1985 - 1...
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H 7.5 in D 3.5 in L 6.5 in
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990.
By Judith Leiber
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Minaudière Evening Bag, 1990. Exceptional and rare, this highly sought after piece of Judith Leiber history was produced between 1985 - 1...
Judith Lieber Handbag Orange Alligator Leather Aurora Borealis Gold Chain Mini
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
SKU: 87605 Category: Handbag More Details Brand: JUDITH LEIBER Color: Orange Fabric: Alligator Style Bag: Mini Condition: Good Age Group: Adult Gender: Female
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H 6.75 in W 9.5 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Judith Leiber Cognac Alligator Handbag With Jewelry Style Handle
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Judith Leiber alligator handbag serves double duty as a piece of costume jewelry for the wrist.
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Vintage black alligator skin handbag by Judith Leiber. Gold-tone metal top handle.
Judith Leiber Tan Alligator Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Tan Alligator Clutch in good condition. Tan alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware along top edge. Top center lift latch closure opens via 4 hinges to a tan lea...
Judith Leiber Vintage Navy Blue Alligator Handbag with Lapis Detail
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS Judith Leiber Vintage Navy Blue Alligator Handbag in very good condition.
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Matte Hardware Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Matte Hardware Clutch in good condition. Black alligator trimmed with matte silver and gold hardware along top edge. Top lift latch closure opens to a b...
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H 8.13 in W 9.25 in D 2.75 in
1990's Judith Leiber Black Alligator Handbag With Optional Shoulder Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Just like a classic 'little black dress', every wardrobe needs a classic black handbag. This Judith Leiber black alligator handbag is beautifully designed with the practical option ...
Judith Leiber Dark Purple Alligator Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
STUNNING Judith Leiber Dark Purple Alligator Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Dark purple alligator exterior trimmed with gold hardware and double shoulder straps. 2 exterior sid...
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Bag with Gilt Handles
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Chic and charming Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Gilt Handles. High quality center cut black skin with gilded handles embossed with a crocodile pattern. 1980's USA-Italy. 1970's. ...
Judith Leiber Vintage Tan Alligator Mini Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Vintage Judith Leiber Tan alligator mini handbag in excellent condition.
Judith Leiber Rare Vintage Alligator Kelly Flap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Vintage Kelly Flap style Alligator bag from Judith Leiber is one of the famed luxury goods house's most coveted and exclusive items. This flap bag is bathed glazed black glossy a...
Judith Leiber Taupe Alligator Leather Framed Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber vintage alligator shoulder bag in excellent condition. Taupe alligator leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware, double shoulder straps, and top tigers ey...
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Black Alligator Crystal Strap Evening Bag in excellent condition. measurements: 6.25"x4x3.5" 7" handle
Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Polished Stone Strap - sale
By Judith Leiber
Located in Austin, TX
Judith Leiber alligator bag with polished stone strap. Condition: Excellent, very little wear to bottom. We accept returns for refund, please see our terms. Please let us kno...
1080s Judith Leiber Alligator and Onyx Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber black alligator bag with gold tone frame and onyx stones on the clasp. There is an optional shoulder chain that folds into the bag when not in use. The chain has an 18...
Beautiful Judith Leiber Vintage Black Baby Alligator Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous Judith Leiber black baby alligator handbag with gold hardware.
Judith Leiber Brown Alligator Day Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Brown alligator day bag by Judith Leiber. Lining is soft brown leather with one zipper section and one slip compartment. Clasp is the long alligator bar across the top, works well, c...
important judith leiber alligator shoulder bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Stamford, CT
funkyfinders.com is delighted to debut this large 'statement' shoulder bag in brilliant brown alligator via the house of judith leiber. we have found this example to be rather hard t...
Gorgeous Judith Leiber Green Alligator Clutch Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous emeral green Judith Leiber alligator clutch bag with satin detachable strap.
Classic Genuine Alligator Judith Leiber Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Cognac Judith Leiber genuine alligator top handle and removable shoulder strap bag. Pristine condition.
Fabulous Judith Leiber Baby Alligator Swarovski Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
This is a fabulous Vintage Judith Leiber black baby alligator evening bag, with a Swarovski crystal top handle. It measures 6.5" X 4.5" and is in the style of a slightly tapered box....
Alligator Clutch or Shoulder bag by Judith Leiber
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Gorgeous alligator clutch by Judith Leiber. The color of the skin ranges from taupe to tan, depending upon how the light reflects.
Classic Judith Leiber Alligator Top Handle Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Iconic Judith Leiber cognac alligator top-handle bag. Wear this classic day or evening...in pristine condition.
Judith Leiber Dark Brown Alligator Clutch with Detachable Shoulder Strap
By Judith Leiber
Located in Westhampton Beach, NY
Stunning Judith Leiber dark brown alligator clutch with gold hardware.
Judith Leiber New Cognac Alligator Pearl Evening Shoulder Clutch Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Chicago, IL
CURATOR'S NOTES Judith Leiber New Cognac Alligator Pearl Crystal Evening Shoulder Clutch Bag Alligator Gold tone hardware Faux pearl Crystal Leather lining Push lock closure Featu...
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H 4.5 in W 6.5 in D 1.75 in
Vintage Judith Leiber Red Alligator Shoulder Bag With Gold Tone Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Red Alligator Shoulder Bag proves that Judith Leiber is so much more than her famous minaudieres! Features exquisite craftsmanship, two open side pockets, and gold tone hard...
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H 9 in W 8.5 in D 4.5 in L 27 in
Roomy, Rich Brown Alligator Shoulder/Crossbody Bag by Judith Leiber FALL!
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
She is trading in her substantial career success for the beach. This Judith Leiber handbag was a favorite go to. The purse is fairly light weight and is flexible in terms of the q...
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H 2.25 in W 3.25 in D 2.25 in
Judith Leiber Rare Black Alligator Gold Chain Barrel Clutch Shoulder Flap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Chicago, IL
CURATOR'S NOTES Judith Leiber Rare Black Alligator Gold Chain Barrel Clutch Shoulder Flap Bag Alligator Gold tone hardware Leather interior Snap closure Shoulder strap drop 8&qu...
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H 6 in W 5.5 in D 2 in
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Kelly Style Top Handle Satchel Evening Flap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Chicago, IL
CURATOR'S NOTES AMAZING price reduction for a limited time only! Alligator Gold tone hardware Rhinestone detail Leather lining Magnetic snap closure Handle drop 3.5" Mea...
Mocha Judith Leiber Alligator Clutch/Purse
Located in New York, NY
Vintage, circa 1980's mocha colored Judith Leiber alligator clutch style purse. The clasp is a purple and beige pearlized clasp.
This is a larger day bag. Bag does no...
Centerskin Alligator Evening Bag by Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Judith Leiber's alligator bags are some of the best ever made. This piece has gorgeous center skin black alligator on the front and back with crystal and enamel frame and clasp. Lo...
Cognac Judith Leiber Alligator Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Gorgeous cognac alligator Judith Leiber top handle bag. Shoulder strap/mirror/pouch included. Gold hardware. Perfect for day or night. Pristine condition.
Rare Judith Leiber Alligator and Bone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Teaneck, NJ
Rare Judith Leiber genuine Alligator and Bone Clutch. Mirror, change purse and comb in pristine condition.
Judith Leiber Black Alligator Evening Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Lambertville, NJ
This is another consignment from one of our clients who is downsizing her collection. Now that she has left the corporate world, she attends fewer black tie events and wants some of...
1980s Judith Leiber Black Alligator Bag with Jeweled and Enamel Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Done in shiny black alligator and gold hardware .A pushlock closure, fastened on the side of the bag, with a glass pearl accent. The closure is decorated with a beautiful,lively litt...
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H 4.5 in W 6.5 in D 1.75 in
Judith Leiber Vintage Red Alligator Bag with Gold Tone Hardware and Red Tassels
By Judith Leiber
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Judith Leiber Alligator shoulder bag proves that Judith Leiber is so much more than her famous minaudieres. This bag features exquisite craftsmanship, two open side pockets ...
Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress
By Missoni
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous colorful fine silk knit halter dress from Missoni in a red, orange, blue, yellow, white, lavender and black abstract pattern. It slips on over the head and has 2 black str...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
$2,159Sale Price|20% Off
New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags & Box A Rare Find New Spring 2011 Runway $3950 Bronze Metallic Pewter Full 100% Python Throughout the Bag Braided Double Straps Wrap Around and Connect ...
Saks Fifth Avenue Vintage Evening Minaudière Polished Resin Clutch Bag
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking vintage evening minaudière created for Saks Fifth Avenue, most likely dating to the late 1960s. Crafted in Italy, the structured case is formed from polished resin designe...
Vicky Tiel 1980s Silk Strapless High Low Bustier Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great pink silk high low dress from Vicky Tiel. It has a drop waist horizontally ruched boned bustier bodice onto which is gathered a full skirt knee length in the front, ankle len...
Zushi Handpainted Red Snake Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Unusual red snake clutch with handpainted gilt floral wood frame. Signed "Zushi". Excellent condition. 1980's USA. 8" x 7" x 3"
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail including Medusa head pulls on t...
Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...
Emilio Pucci Chain Embellished Cutout Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Emilio Pucci Chain Embellished Cutout Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown Black Emilio Pucci long sleeve cutout evening dress with open back featuring gold-tone chain-link accents an...
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...
$2,295
Size: Small - Medium
Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in San Diego, CA
Collectible CHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO Fall 2001 runway vintage black and white novelty print playing cards and domino semi sheer mesh camisole top! Kris Jenner ( Mother of Kim ...
$560Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.52 in L 2.29 in
Genuine Turquoise Drops Blue Sapphire Oval Cabs Diamonds 14K Solid Gold Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant and completely handmade Earrings consisting of an upper part of 2 oval shape Blue Sapphire Cabs of 5 mm x 7 mm set together in 14 Kt white gold with a small diamond in the m...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,675
Size: Extra Small
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s demi couture black silk chiffon sequin evening gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout the sleeves and skirt. Thin spaghetti strap underlay wit...
GUCCI by Tom Ford Pink GG Monogram Logo Satin Lizard Barbiecore Horsebit Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning Gucci clutch Made of finest pink satin Ruched style, with the famous GUCCI GG Monogram stamped on silk Exotic Lizard Skin Trimming Mat-gold hardware Horsebit detail Fully ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
S/S 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford White Snakeskin Pattern Beaded Chain Small Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful white beaded snakeskin pattern Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. This fabulous flap bag is covered in shimmery beads and was highlighted in the March 2000 issue...
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.
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.