Iconic handbag designer, Judith Leiber passed away two weeks ago. She escaped the holocaust and met her American GI husband in Europe . Mrs. Leiber apprenticed with handbag manufactures in Europe. She learned the art of making a handbag.
When she came to this country she worked for handbag icon Nettie Rosenstein. Soon she would open her own handbag company, Judith Leiber. The company became a huge success. Her bejeweled bags become the favorite of celebrities and First Ladies. The bags were pieces of art.
I have been fortunate enough to find Judith Leiber handbags at many estates all over the country. My passion and joy was finding Judith Leiber bags for my mom and my clients. When I would find a bag for my mom she would always ask if I liked the bag. “If you like it I like it .” We would carefully look at each bag and admire its beauty.
One client of mine has amassed a closet full of Judith Leiber handbags. Each bag is a work of art. I have a small collection of Judith Leiber handbags. One of my favorite bag’s is shown below. Of course you can’t have just one favorite. The black silk Chinese handbag resembles my vintage 1950’s Chinese jacket. The entire outfit has been worn on numerous occasions. It is know in my house as my uniform!
One of the best days of my fashion career was the day I met Judith Leiber. I received a coveted invitation to her handbag museum opening in East Hampton. The museum houses hundreds of handbags. It is a magnificent structure that is inspired by Greek architecture.
Soon I would receive an invitation to interview Judith Leiber and her husband Gerson Leiber . Here are pictures over the years.
