Judith Leiber

Since the onset, Judith Leiber handbags have been a symbol of elegance and style.  In addition to being carried to red carpet affairs around the world, each First Lady dating back to 1953 has carried a custom-made Judith Leiber bag to the Presidential Inauguration.  The collection is best known for its fanciful, crystal-covered minaudieres.  Although Mrs. Leiber retired in 1998, her significant impact on handbag design continues.

Judith Leiber was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary.  During World War II, she studied the craft of handbag making.  At the end of the war, she met and married Gerson (Gus) Leiber, an American GI stationed in Budapest.  In 1947, the couple immigrated to the United States.  After many years of working for various New York handbag manufacturers, the Leibers launched the Judith Leiber Company in 1963.  From the outset, her masterful style and attention to detail have caught the attention of celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning people worldwide.

Every minaudiere starts as a blank slate or silver box which will be lined by hand with nappa leather.  A painting is then transferred by hand from the original artwork to the actual box.  Finally each crystal is applied one by one.  One artisan will craft a minaudiere from beginning to end; so most designs can take up to a week to produce.  The tradition continues with each handbag, remaining true to the high standards of superb quality and unique design set