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.
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...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Crystal Multi Color Gemstone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Crystal Multi Color Gemstone Clutch in good condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware, black crystal...
Judith Leiber Black Crystal Large Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Crystal Large Minaudiere in very good condition. Black swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold hardware in a unique large trapezoid shape. Top button closure...
Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Red Lizard Clutch in very good condition. red lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and unique floral filigree gemstone em...
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Beige Lizard Tiger Eye Gemstone Top Clutch in good condition. Beige lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware, tiger's eye, and red and green gemstones along top edge. ...
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 Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980's
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Vintage Gold Monkey Belt Buckle with Red Stone - circa 1980's. This piece is in good vintage condition with discolorations on the gold color that are consistent with ag...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Lion Head Clutch in very good condition. Black pleated lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and unique lion head embossed center detail. Lift...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gemstone Top Shoulder Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gemstone Shoulder Bag in excellent condition. Black lizard trimmed with gold hardware and multi colored gemstones along top edge. Unique middle eas...
Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Black Floral Box Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Judith Leiber black floral box minaudiere in excellent condition. Multicolor swarovski crystal exterior in a floral design over a black backgro...
Vintage Judith Leiber Beige Pleated Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Clutch c1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Beige Pleated Silk Swarovski Crystal Top Clutch c1980s in good condition. Beige pleated silk exterior trimmed with gold hardware and swarovski crystal elements ...
Judith Leiber Cream Matte Lizard Clutch with Enamel Crystal Top
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Cream Matte Lizard Clutch with Enamel Crystal Top in good condition. Cream lizard leather in unique matte style trimmed with silver hardware and black and cream enamel...
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Gemstone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Gemstone Top Clutch in fair condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with gold hardware and tiny multicolor gemstones. Side pull latch...
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 Limited Edition Woven Snakeskin Clutch Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Boca Raton, FL
While Judith Leiber is often highlighted for her over-the-top, jewel encrusted, novelty bags, her earlier work represents a different creative sensibility. Through careful selection ...
Judith Leiber Roman Coin Black Snakeskin Leather Belt circa 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exceptional Judith Leiber belt from the 1980s is a striking example of vintage luxury craftsmanship. Crafted from sleek black snakeskin leather, the belt exudes sophistication a...
Judith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Silk Black Rhinestone Evening Bag in excellent condition. Black silk exterior trimmed with sparkling black rhinestone body...
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...
Vintage Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Clutch c1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Purple Lizard Clutch c1980s in very good condition. Purple lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and a lapis and quartz gemstones. Top lift latch closure op...
Judith Leiber Silvertone Embroidered Lame Frame Purse with Silvertone Hardware
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Judith Leiber purse is composed of a metallic silver-tone taupe lame. Features a silver-tone frame with rhinestone accents and an interior pocket. In excellent almost new pre-o...
Judith Leiber 80’s Black Satin Frame Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into sophistication with this black satin clutch, a quintessential accessory for your most memorable occasions. Crafted to perfection, this clutch exudes timeless elegance in a ...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Enamel Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Enamel Top Clutch in good vintage condition. Black lizard leather exterior trimmed with swarovski crystals, gold hardware and black and yellow enamel top edge. Top lift...
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 Clear and Green Rhinestone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber clutch Clear and green rhinestones in a stripe pattern Silver snap closure Silver chain strap that can be stored inside Soft silver leather lining Comes with silver coin purse...
Judith Leiber Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Minaudiere Evening Bag The rounded rectangular bag with a stylized design of geometric devices and tendrils on a black ground, with a gilt-toned chain, and gilt fabric...
$374Sale Price|20% Off
JUDITH LEIBER Ruched Black Snake Skin Evening Clutch Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in San Francisco, CA
JUDITH LEIBER evening clutch comes in black pleated snake skin leather with a gold tone kiss lock closure and chain strap. Excellent Pre-...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal Top Clutch in very good condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with silver hardware and black and clear crystal top accents. Lift latch c...
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 sat...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal and Leather Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Crystal and Leather Top Clutch in good condition. black lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and clear crystals along top edge. side pull closure open...
Judith Leiber Black Embroidered Leather Tassel Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Embroidered Leather Tassel Clutch in very good condition. Black lambskin exterior with unique embroidery, black tassel side detail an...
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. ...
Judith Leiber Couture Black Satin Box Clutch with Gold Trim and Push-Lock Closur
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Couture Black Satin Box Clutch with Gold Trim and Push-Lock Closure A sleek and elegant statement piece from Judith Leiber Couture, this structured clutch is crafted...
Judith Leiber Black and White Lizard Bow Front Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black and White Lizard Bow Front Clutch in good condition. Black lizard main body with white lizard front bow detail and top edge. Center top lift closure opens to a bl...
Judith Leiber Black Snake Skin Bag W/ Gold Details
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber Black Snake Skin Bag W/ Gold Detail. From 1980s in excellent condition, Measurements: Length - 16 inches Height - 9 inches Width - 6 i...
Judith Leiber Gilt Metal Dangling Charm Heavy Chain Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber stylish gilt metal dangling charm heavy chain belt c 1980s The elegant belt is adorned with 10 dangling charms designed with a man's head, horse heads & orb fobs The d...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Chain Top Gemstone Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Gold Chain Top Gemstone Clutch in very good condition. Black lizard leather trimmed with gold hardware and tiny multi color gemstones. Unique gold chain...
Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Enamel Gold Top
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Black Lizard Black Enamel Gold Top in excellent condition. Black lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and a unique black ename...
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...
Judith Leiber Couture Jeweled 'Bluebell' Crimson & Blue Sunglasses with Case
By Judith Leiber
Located in Munich, DE
For 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...
Judith Leiber Dark Red Satin Silk and Swarovski Crystal Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GORGEOUS Judith Leiber vintage satin and swarovski crystal evening bag clutch in excellent condition. Dark red pinched textured style satin silk exterior trimmed with gold and silve...
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 cord...
Judith Leiber Black Reptile Deco Evening Convertible Evening Bag, 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expertly designed by renowned handbag designer Judith Leiber, this 80s black reptile deco evening bag exudes elegance with its unique styling. The hidden removable leather strap allo...
Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite Judith Leiber 1980s Black Lizard Embossed Clutch, a luxurious and timeless accessory that exudes sophistication and elegance....
Judith Leiber White Leather Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber White Leather Clutch Signed. Rectangular, with front closure flap and rear open slot, the enamel and gold toned clasp cast as a nautilus, the white fabric interior, wi...
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Snakeskin Handbag The pouch-form bag with a reeded gold toned border, with red and black enamel set clasp, with a gold toned metal chain, the parcel snakeskin an...
Judith Leiber Black and Silver Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black and Silver Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. Silver box body style with black swarovski crystal squiggly line design throug...
Judith Leiber Jeweled Gilt Metal Elephant Buckle Belt c 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith 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...
Judith Leiber Black Minaudiere Change Purse
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Judith Leiber Black Minaudiere Change Purse Signed. Shoulder-length gilt-toned chain. Width 3 in. Condition Report Good condition.
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 Gilt Metal Equine Buckle Embossed Blue Leather Belt c 1980
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
JUDITH LEIBER Gilt metal equine buckle blue leather belt c 1980 The equestrian style belt is adorned with a stylized gold metal horse head buckle. The belt is designed with dark bl...
1980s Judith Leiber Beige and Gold Belt with Semi Precious Stones
By Judith Leiber
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980's opulent Judith Leiber snake leather and gold belt with semi precious stones. Known for her amazing purses, Judith Leiber’s creativity continued with accessories such as this b...
Judith Leiber Couture White and Black Crystal & Pearl Decor Sunglasses and Case
By Judith Leiber
Located in Munich, DE
For 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 elegant vintage Judith Leiber Couture...
Vintage Judith Leiber Dark Pink Lizard Clutch c1980s.
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Judith Leiber Dark Pink Lizard Clutch c1980s in good condition. Dark rose lizard exterior trimmed with gold hardware and various gemstone charm emb...
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...
Judith Leiber Black Pleated Leather Resin Bone Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Pleated Leather Resin Bone Top Clutch in very good condition. Black soft lambskin exterior in unique crisscross pinch pleated design trimmed with gold hardware, b...
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
Judith Leiber JLP Black & Silver Minaudiere Clutch Double sided New with tags
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Judith Leiber Monogram Hinged Hard Shell Clutch JLP Double-sided Black and Silver crystals. 3.5 in H x 6 in W x 1 3/4 in D - 50 in. chain, New with T...
$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 Belt Encrusted Double Frog Expandable 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in Wallkill, NY
Black Snake Skin Vintage Judith Leiber Belt. Cabochons set Onyx, Amethyst, and Jade stones with surrounding crystals. decorative frogs hinge togethe...
Judith Leiber Black Leather Crystal Diamond Top Clutch
By Judith Leiber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Judith Leiber Black Leather Crystal Diamond Top Clutch in very good condition. Smooth and soft pleated black lambskin leather exterior trimmed with silver hardware and crystal covere...