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.
Vintage Judith Black Karung Gold Hardware Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber was a renowned Hungarian-American designer known for her luxurious and artistic handbags. Founded in 1963, her brand became synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, ...
Judith Leiber Brown Leather Mini Compartment Bag with Coin Purse, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
Like Bonnie Cashin’s revolutionary “Cashin Carry” bags of the 1960s, this ingenious purse seems to defy physics with the amount of room it offers. Essentially a series of expandable accordion files with multiple pockets and kiss locks to keep contents secure, it eliminates the need for a wallet. Moreover, the heavyweight gold chain handle looks like a piece of fine jewelry and is long enough to be worn on the shoulder. Chocolate brown shoulder bag...
Early Judith Leiber Pave Owl Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Early and unusual Judith Leiber Pave Shoulder Bag in silver kid leather with applied 3-D bombe, pave owl heads. Unusual design with charming figural accent...
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 sho...
Judith Leiber Textured Coco-Brown Silk Evening Bag with Gold hradware
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Judith Leiber wonderfully whimsical yet elegant textured coco-brown silk evening shoulder bag is accented with vermeil-finished gold hardware. The fully lined interior is pai...
1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Judith Leiber oval black lizard skin convertible clutch handbag with obsidian cameo clasp. Optional chain handle disappears into bag for clutch. Size...
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...
Judith Leiber Ivory Lizard Compartment Purse with Gold Chain Handles, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Tucson, AZ
"And though she be but little, she is fierce," said Shakespeare. With a whopping seven interior compartments AND a matching coin purse in an 8" package, this handbag might have been ...
Judith Leiber Hand Bag White Karung Convertible Clutch With Semi Precious Jewels
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Judith Leiber clutch! Totally surrounded by semi-precious stones. Converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag. Gently, gently used. Mirror in bag. Measures 7.25 in x 5 in. x 2...
Judith Leiber Lizard Leather Evening Bag Handbag Clutch - Semi - Precious Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Judith Leiber Evening Bag. Finely crafted from beige genuine lizard and tonal top stitching. Features multiple semi-precious stones including onyx, amethyst, jade, garnet, lapis, ros...
Judith Leiber Detailed Top-Stitched Off-White Calfskin "Duckie" Hardware Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
A rare, early Judith Leiber for Saks Fifth Avenue off-white calfskin round shoulder bag is highlighted with detailed stop-stitching throughout the bag, and accented with a gilded gol...
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Small Shoulder Bag in very good vintage condition. Red lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and gold chain shoulder st...
Judith Leiber Multicolored Snakskin Beach Ball Shoulder Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber is internationally acclaimed for her glammed-up, kitschy accessories. Never dull, Leiber’s creations employ deep color combinations and sculpture forms that often refle...
Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Pink Lizard Crystal Strap Bag in fair condition. Pale pink lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold chain shoulder strap handle with crystal beads throughout. ...
Vintage Judith Leiber Reptile Leather Jade Buddha Clasp Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in the tumultuous time of the World War decades, Hungarian born Judith Leiber achieved astonishing accomplishments for her work in handbag and leather good design. Being the fir...
Judith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Navy Blue Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag in good condition. Navy lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and multi color gemstones along top edge. Center lift latc...
JUDITH LEIBER Nude to Brown Ombre Lizard Skin Purse Gold Straps
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber purse is composed of a nude to brown ombre lizard skin. Features an interior gold frame with two side pockets. There is an interior pocket and two slide pockets. C...
Judith Leiber Shimmery Charcoal Suede Polka Dot Purse, 1990s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shimmery, celestial polka dot suede (feels like velvet!) bag by Judith Leiber. Circa 1990s. A rare and wonderfully large sized bag from Leiber. Long straps for ease of movement. Gold...
Judith Leiber Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Metallic Snakeskin Shoulder Bag in good condition. Metallic beige and gray snakeskin exterior trimmed with silver hardware and an ...
Judith Leiber Vintage Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Brown Leather Shoulder Bag in good condition. measurements: 9"x7"x5" 9.25" strap drop
1980s Judith Leiber Luxe Patchwork Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Known for her exquisite use of exotic skins, this 1980s patchwork multi-skin brown and black geometric over-sized clutch with punch clasp by Leiber is a must have. The clutch has a f...
Vintage Judith Leiber Midnight Blue Alligator & Lapis Lazuli Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Judith Leiber was a renowned Hungarian-American designer known for her luxurious and artistic handbags. Founded in 1963, her brand became synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, ...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Judith Leiber Crystal Encrusted Monogram evening clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber crystal encrusted monogram evening clutch or shoulder bag. This beautiful bag in monogrammed LMJ, in crystal rhinestones set against black rhinestones. The bag frame is...
Judith Leiber Cream Off White Snakeskin Hobo with Multi Metal Two Tone Chain
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous Judith Leiber purse. The handbag is composed of a striking off white snakeskin and features a two tone chain. There is a one interior zipper compartment and a snap...
Rocco Barocco Vintage Glittering Fabric Handbag
By Rocco Barocco, Roccobarocco
Located in Milano, IT
Brilliant moon-shaped handbag, very pretty, made by Rocco Barocco in the 1990s, made in Italy. ORIGINAL LABEL. The handbag is moon cut, small and suitable for any situation. The fabr...
Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and Bag
By Stuart Weitzman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...
1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Lovely 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 ...
$638
W 4.5 in D 1 in L 8 in
Dolce & Gabbana 2000'S Python Skin & Swarovski Crystal Black Satin Shoulder Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Chic early 2000's Vintage Black Python skin, Satin & Swarovski crystal shoulder bag by DOLCE & GABBANA. Features; Press stud fasten / Metal Chain shoulder strap / Interior...
Chanel Muff Mint Condition With Tags
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel muff . Ecru/black colors Mint like new condition with tags and box Box has slight damage scratch Final sale
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Brown Velvet Rhinestone Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous deep brown velvet adjustable shoulder bag designed by Donatella Versace. This bag features iridescent rhinestone accents featured on both the S/S 2000 runway. A...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Mini Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG087 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (U) Age: 1...
Gucci by Tom Ford Horse Bit Mini Bag Chain GG Monogram Green & Red Webbing
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a mini GG horse-bit hobo bag by Tom Ford for Gucci. This early 2000s bag features the classic 'GG' monogram weave accented with the red and green Gucci web down the front and back center. An oversized horse...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
$3,999Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.5 in W 7.5 in L 16.25 in
New in Box Louis Vuitton St Tropez On The Go Limited Edition Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Louis Vuitton 2020 limited edition "escale" collection. St Tropez ultra limited VIP edition. Brand new in box with original dust cov...
$175Sale Price|22% Off
H 4.5 in D 2.25 in L 7 in
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black Satin Egg Shaped Versatile Clutch - Shoulder Bag c 1980s
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in University City, MO
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black matte satin egg shaped clutch - shoulder bag c 1980s The elegant black satin evening bag is adorned with a cluster of clear diamante' crystals encrusted in ...
Goyard Burgundy Anjou Mini Shoulder Tote Handbag
By Goyard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Goyard burgundy Anjou mini bag doesn’t need an introduction. The tote is recognizable from the distance by its shape. Goyard pattern is another we...
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition Wildcat Chiquita jaguar minaudiere clutch bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition Wildcat Chiquita brown gold jaguar crystal minaudiere clutch bag Reference: SNKO/A00613 Brand: Judith Leiber Model: Wildcat Chiquita Collection: Limited...
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition strawberry cupcake Say Yes minaudiere clutch bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JUDITH LEIBER Limited Edition pink gold strawberry cupcake crystal Say Yes minaudiere clutch bag Reference: SNKO/A00614 Brand: Judith Leiber Collection: Limited Edition Material: Met...
Sold
H 7 in W 3 in L 9.5 in
Judith Leiber Zahara Patchwork Python Snake Shoulder Bag Lapis Chain Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami, FL
- Blue python exterior - Chain strap - Two interior pockets Condition: The bag is in overall great condition with no major imperfections it is missing crystal in the fro...
Judith Lieber Collectors Limited Ed. Snake Skin Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Exotic Black Crocodile Clutch with Jeweled Snake Motif, 21st Century A masterwork of bold sophistication, this exotic crocodile-embossed clutch by Judith Leiber exempli...
Judith Leiber Vintage Basket Weave Snakeskin Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Vintage Basket Weave Snakeskin Drawstring Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Tan basket weave rattan with black red tan and green leath...
Judith Leiber Large Black Ostrich Leather Handbag With Gold Studs
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
This fabulous Judith Leiber black ostrich handbag is both uncharacteristically large and a little edgy as compared to Leiber's other designs. The body of the handbag measures 11.5" ...
Judith Leiber Art Deco Lizard Skin & Enamel Frame Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in a black lizard skin with an Art Deco style enamel top frame embellished with crystals. The clip closure is decorated with a channeled glass ...
Judith Leiber Black Lace Printed Gold Leather Snake Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Judith Leiber evening handbag in an unusual black lace printed gold leather with a push button pearl closure embellished by a coiled pave crystal snake. The closure opens to...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Top Flap Bag in excellent condition. Black lizard trimmed with antique silver hardware, swarovski crystals and jade gemstones. Front flap snap closure open...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Antique Silver Crystal Rose Quartz Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. black lizard leather exterior trimmed with antiqued silver hardware, swarovski crys...
1990s Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in London, GB
Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and Goldware, tiop clutch closure, gold metalware, coloured gems, leather strap, inside pocket ...
Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Navy Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Navy lizard trimmed with gold hardware, multi colored gemstones along top edge, and navy blue cord...