Vintage Judith Leiber Clutch Purses and Handbags

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been crazy about Judith Leiber. I think it is clearly understandable why I am not the only person that marvels over her creations. She is an extremely talented woman, which through her dedication and hard work has built an empire from the ground up. Judith Leiber, was born Judith Peto in Budapest, Hungary 1921. She married her husband, Gerson Leiber an American solider and they immigrated back to America in 1948. During the war Judith learn the craft of handbag making, and made purses for a friend’s small factory located in Switzerland. When she moves to the United States, she applied her craft well by working for many leading New York City based handbag manufactures. In 1963, she launched her own company with the help of Gerson. Gerson and Judith worked together until 1998, sold the company, and happily retired.

Judith Leiber’s creations are made with such exception creativity, care, and artisanship. It is also a fact that American First Ladies have worn many of her purses since Lady Bird Johnson, in 1964. There is a famous photo shot of Michelle Obama, the President and her vintage Judith Leiber clutch. In addition, for nearly fifty years, Judith Leiber handbags have adorned many red carpet affairs in Hollywood, California. Judith Leiber uniquely designed crystal minaudieres and handbags are on view in The Victoria and AlbertMuseum in London, England. Along with the Smithsonian in Washington D. C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts, in Houston, Texas and the Los Angeles Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California.

In 2005 Gerson and Judith built a small museum to house their art collection and life works. The Museum is located on 446 Old Stone Highway in the Springs section of East Hampton on Long Island, NY. Over Memorial Day weekend they featured an exquisite showing of more than 140 Chinese porcelian pieces the Lieber's had collected over the years. For sixty two years the Lieber's have been collecting these Chinese porcelian pieces. The Memorial Day exhibition was the first of it's kind for some of these 1000 year old pieces that were selected.

Gerson Leiber is himself an artist. Born in Brooklyn, New York 1921 Gerson childhood was proof positive to his own creative abilities. As an adult Gerson worked with Gabor Peterdi. Gerson's art prints won many awards. Not only was Gerson an award winning artist, but he also hosted many one man shows to exhibit his work, even though it was showcased at the Alex Rosenberg Gallery, and traveled with the Associated American Artists exhibitions. Both he and Judith love working on their East Hampton estate, showing off their art work, and producing masterpieces. For information on visiting the muesum please contact them at (631) 329.3288, for a special viewing. Unless otherwise noted the muesum is open by appointment only.

How to take care of a Judith Leiber Product

• Handbags and Accessories

List below are four easy steps to follow when cleaning a Judith Leiber product. Following the steps below will help to ensure that the product manufacturer's guarantee will not be nullified or voided. The simple steps listed are mostly likely to increase your future enjoyment for many years to come:

1. Gently wipe the item with a smooth, soft, dry cloth. Do not use cleaning agents. They are not needed when cleaning your product.
2. Store the item inside the specially treated protective pouch provided.
3. Avoid exposure to moisture as well as extreme heat or cold.
4. Do not expose your Judith Leiber products to perfume or hair care products.

• Eyewear

For care of your frame:

1. Please rinse lenses with a mild detergent and warm water.
2. Use only the soft lens cloth provided for daily cleaning of the lenses.