Judith Leiber Iconic Handbag Designer and Visionary Dies at 97

Lieber1-superJumbo-v4Iconic handbag designer, Judith Leiber, creator of bags as object d’art, died Saturday at her home, only a few hours after the death of her life partner and collaborator husband, abstract painter, Gerson Leiber

feature photo by Andrea Robin, The New York Times

For many of us, no special evening ensemble was complete without the added touch of one of the unique designs of Judith Leiber. Her handbags, were totally original, from the intricate embellishments to her whimsical motifs…..each was truly a work of art. She led the way for instilling in fashion and into women who love fashion, the idea of adding some fun and sparkle to your ensemble by the use of an exquisitely designed and often jeweled ‘fanciful’ handbag.  She became known as the “Queen of Minaudieres”.

Her bags were carried by a long list of First Ladies and wealthy social women and movie stars. Each First Lady, beginning with Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan and others has been given a Leiber bag as well as the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Lopez and so many more, including many of H-town’s social set.

She broke the ceiling in an industry that had no women when she entered the field because of her true love for handbags, beginning as a child. Unlike many designers she could make a bag from start to finish. She opened her own business in 1963 after working in the industry for other manufacturers. She created bags that took on the form of everything from peacocks to lions to Mondrian paintings. She used up to 8,000 rhinestones and even some semi-precious stones in her bags. She has been carried by all major fine specialty stores and boutiques.  She also became the first woman in her field and first accessories designer to win a Coty Award among many other awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA. Her business is now owned by Authentic Brands Group where just last year, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger became co-owner and its creative director. Hilfiger recently announced to WWD, plans for widespread expansion of this brand.

Below are only a small samplings of the many looks that are so Judith Leiber…..

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Below, A Look back at Neiman Marcus Houston Celebrating Collaboration of Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED bag project interpreted in Judith Leiber bags; circa 2011

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A special day in Houston, when Lauren Bush Lauren came to town with her newest FEED bag collaboration.  Please click here to take a look back at Lauren and then Leiber President, Mary Gleason, presenting the not-very-likely interpretation of FEED bag concept by the luxury line of Judith Leiber……fun day for all of us at Neiman Marcus Houston Galleria.

About Roz Pactor

I am a fashion and marketing consultant and blogger based in Houston, Texas. With more than three decades of experience in fashion retailing that has spanned Foley’s, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s NYC, I have earned a reputation for delivering expertise, energy and enthusiasm to my roster of clients. I have remained closely connected with designer women’s fashion as well as the misses, teens, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories markets from coast to coast.

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