Judith Leiber Green Alligator Top Handle Evening Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Length: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU167218254942
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: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Judith Leiber 1984 Bullfrog MiniaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdd this amazing piece to your collection! Circa 1980s, this Judith Leiber frog miniaudiere features multi color Jade, Amethyst and Onyx stones with...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Emilio Pucci Rhinestone Evening BagBy Emilio PucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe most adorable Emilio Pucci evening bag! Black satin fabric with signature Pucci swirls striped down the front. Two small accent buckles encrusted with crystalline rhinestones. Ex...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Silver Bullfrog Miniaudiere, 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZNo need to kiss anymore frogs- your price charming has arrived (in bag form, that is!) Add some novelty to your evening looks with our amazing 1980s Judith Leiber silver...Category
1980s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Python Snakeskin Evening BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZGorgeous Judith Leiber evening bag made of genuine python snakeskin! Easily worn across the body with thin gold chain. Frame-type clasp closu...Category
1970s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Manosque GM PochetteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the epitome of Louis Vuitton sophistication: the Daniel Event Manosque GM Pochette. This mini purse is a timeless testament to luxury and style, perfect for those who app...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Chain Around Mini Dark Blue Clutch Mini Classic FlapBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel dark navy mini chain around clutch flap Spring 2004 {VINTAGE 17 Years} Silver Hardware Signature CC Turnlock Triple classic interwoven chains around entire bag Beige monogram...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- 1970s Hermes Yellow Suede Clutch BagBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHermès yellow suede clutch bag featuring gold-tone debossed internal logo, main compartment, internal slip pocket, internal zip-fastening pocket, leather lining, foldover top with ma...Category
1970s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Bag with Classic Flap Crossbody Rare Enamel Top Handle Black Lambskin BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Rare Enamel Top Handle Classic Flap Bag Crossbody Same collection (larger size, different color) as seen on Kate Middleton. Very rare limited e...Category
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Chanel Minaudière Double Circle 70s Style Runway Rare Black & Metallic ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLGold lambskin Chanel and white patent leather 70's style clutch with white cc enamel detail 2007 {VINTAGE 15 Years} Gold Hardware Double kiss-loc...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
- Sergio Rossi Black Suede Evening Shoulder Bag 1980sBy Sergio RossiLocated in Brindisi, BtSergio Rossi 80s vintage elegant bag. Square model rigid with shoulder strap, fabric in velvet, color black with details in color gold. Zip and button closure. Made in Italy. Excelle...Category
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
- Judith Leiber Crystal Jeweled Frog Minaudière c 1980sBy Judith LeiberLocated in University City, MOJudith Leiber Endearing crystal jeweled minaudiere' evening bag c 1980s The beguiling frog is encrusted with elaborate tiny glittering diamante crystals. Adorned with green glass cabochon eyes; accented with gilt metal grooved eye brows The frog's back is embellished with clusters of amethyst; jade green & jet black small glass color cabochons scattered throughout the rows of contiguous brilliant diamante crystals The endearing frog's posture creates the appearance of being on the verge of leaping away... The legs, brows & sides are sheathed in shiny polished gilt metal. The clasp mechanism is distinguished with a green glass opaque cabochon The versatile design transitions from an opulent clutch; converts into an elegant shoulder bag suspended from a sinuous gilt metal chain strap Makes an exquisite accessory for holidays, weddings or any special formal occasions. The charming design merges elegance & whimsy brilliantly The interior is lined in gold metallic foil inscribed on a gilt metal plaque: Judith Leiber. Paired with a gilt metal vanity comb engraved Judith Leiber Measurements The length from the frog's nose to the back edge measures 4.5 inches. The width across the base of the center section measures 3 inches approximately The drop length from top of the chain strap to the base of the frog's extended back leg measures 23.25 inches The jeweled evening bag rest...Category
1980s American Evening Bags and Minaudières