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JudithLeiber

Judith Leiber Disco Ball Minaudiere, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Judith Leiber Disco Ball MinaudiereThe Judith Leiber Disco Ball Minaudiere is so discothèque-fabulous, we can hardly find the words.

Firstly, and most obviously, it's a disco ball. Judith Leiber has a habit of making minaudieres in interesting shapes, and this Italian-made 3 1/2"H x 3 1/2"W x 3 1/2"D sparkler may be our favorite one yet.

Covered in crystal rhinestones, this tiny case distributes light just about as well as any disco ball hanging from the ceiling, and will cause every kindred spirit in the room to search for the source of the glimmers and take notice of you. We also love the sexy tassel, which we think should be made a standard feature on all disco balls.

With this kind of opulence, you almost can't go wrong, but we'd especially love to see it paired with a white gown with silver and crystal detailing, a little black dress, or a pale cocktail number to emphasize the pretty crystals without making them look vulgar -- or too "retro."

The Judith Leiber Disco Ball Minaudiere is available from Neiman Marcus for $2,495.00.

Beverly Sills Estate to be Sold at Doyle New York

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry, Auctions, Events, Art, Celebrity Design

beverly sills

On October 7th, Doyle New York will offer at auction the Estate of Beverly Sills.

One of the world's greatest coloratura sopranos, Beverly Sills' diverse collection comprises over 460 lots of fine art, furniture, decorations, jewelry, handbags, photographs, costume designs and opera memorabilia from her home overlooking New York's Central Park.

A variety of costume designs and memorabilia will be offered, including a design by Nikolai Alexandrovich Benois for Sills as Pamira in Rossini's "L'assedio de Corinto". The pastel on paper piece has an estimate of $1,500 to $2,500. Another drawing up for auction is by Jose Varona of a costume design for Sills as Cleopatra in Handel's "Giulio Cesare". The pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, ink wash and gouache on paper drawing has an estimate of $600 to $800.

Several Emmy Awards won by Sills will also be up for auction, including the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Emmy won by Sills for Outstanding Classical Music Program for 1974-1975. The lot also includes a New York Area Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Program in 1976-1977 and three Emmy Honorary or Nomination plaques presented to Sills. Sold as a single lot, it has an estimate of $1,000 to $1,500.

Art lots include a pencil on paper drawing by Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist, which has an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000. There's also an oil on panel painting by Beryl Cook, a British artist, with an estimate of $12,000 to $18,000.

Handbag collectors will be impressed by the large selection of Judith Leiber evening bags, including clutches, shoulder bags and minaudieres.

The public is invited to the exhibition on view from Friday, October 2 through Tuesday, October 6. Doyle New York is located at 175 East 87th Street in Manhattan.

Born in Brooklyn, Beverly Sills was catapulted into international stardom singing Cleopatra in New York City Opera's landmark 1966 production of Handel's Julius Caesar. Acknowledged as "America's Queen of Opera," she appeared on the cover of Newsweek in 1969 and Time in 1971, and traveled to the world's leading opera houses as an ambassador for American talent. In 1975, she made a triumphal Metropolitan Opera debut as Pamira in Rossini's The Siege of Corinth, receiving an 18-minute ovation. Retiring from singing, she became Director of the New York City Opera (1979-1989), then Chairman of Lincoln Center (1994-2002), and finally Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera (2002-2005).

Judith Leiber Versailles Box Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Judith Leiber Versailles Box ClutchThe Judith Leiber Versailles Box Clutch is a simple minaudiere with an elegant patten which complements almost any accoutrement.

At just 3 3/4"H x 5 1/2"W x 2"D, this isn't exactly the bag for your day job, but it will look lavish and ritzy with any cocktail dress or ball gown for your evening engagements. Drawing inspiration from Versailles, the scroll motif is opulent and glamorous, and shamelessly showy -- but so small it won't take over an outfit.

The Austrian crystals are gold and clear, but this season, it's all right to mix your golds and silvers so this will even go with your fanciest platinum jewelry. This is more than a financial and fashionable investment -- it's the kind of bag your teenage grandchildren will want to steal from you someday.

The Judith Leiber Versailles Box Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $3,395.00.

Damask Curved Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Pretty, glitzy, and a little mesmerizing if you stare at it too long, the Damask Curved Clutch by Judith Leiber is another one of her creations that indulges to the max in Austrian crystals. Leaves and a floral pattern are created in simple indigo blue and white (well, clear actually), with silver hardware and a push-button closure on the very top of the dome-shaped clutch. In Leiber's usual fashion this is a very small bag, measuring only 4 1/2" x 5 3/4" x 2 1/2", but it's so flashy if it was any bigger it would be bordering on obnoxious. $3,795

Judith Leiber's Latest in Sparkling Pillboxes

Filed under: Handbags

Judith Leiber has a variety of styles but one of the most notable is her penchant for cutesy objects and animals in crystal-covered handbag and pillbox form. Although the little miniaudieres are certainly unique and beautiful, it can be difficult for some women to imagine themselves carrying around a large sparkling animal or baked good (cupcake purse anyone?) as a handbag to a party. Nicely, if you like the look but aren't really looking to commit yourself completely why not go for a smaller (but just as appealing) option? Judith Leiber pillboxes are available in every shape from a bright red heart to a little dog and (my personal favorite) a "Prince Charming" toad. See the gallery below (or judithleiber.com) and feel free share your favorites in the comments.

Judith Leiber's Shimmering Python Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

python handbag
There is something so fantastic about an indigo hued bag with iridescent inklings. Then again I have dubbed this the 'year of purple' for my own wardrobe. The Shimmering Python Clutch from Judith Lieber is just one of the many handbags Bergdorf Goodman has tapped for their Fall Collection already available online. The flap top is closed by a tortoise shell ornament which gives it a glamorous yet earthy element balancing the rest of the glow. Available for $1,695 -- although strangely enough the python is not available in California...what is the story there? (4 1/4" x 8" x 1 1/2")

Miniature Magnolia Box by Judith Leiber, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

clutch
Judith Leiber's tiny clutches are not new to Luxist but I couldn't resist her Miniature Magnolia Box. Maybe it's my family's southern heritage or the giant magnolia blooms that used to amaze me with their fragrant scent and larger-than-life size (at least for a girl from the arid west). The entire little evening bag is smothered in rhinestone crystals like a perfectly iced cake and features a push-top closure and hinged bottom. Each side of the box shines with a different take on the iconic blossom like having a split personality with an angelic, lightly-hued flower on one side and it's darker, more mischievous cousin on the other. Although palm-sized (2" by 2") this little bag will illuminate your ensemble with the right touch of pizazz. ($535)

Judith Leiber Cupcake Evening Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Deemed the most expensive cupcake in the world, although sadly not edible, the Judith Leiber Cupcake Evening Bag is a sparkly memory of the tasty treat adored by children and adults alike. Covered in chocolate-hued crystals and stunning diamonds it is a small bag which will stow the most tiny of accessories -- a few bills, lip gloss and perhaps a key. Retailing at $4,295 it is both tasteful and fanciful, glimmering in the night and perhaps attracting the sweet treat inclined.

Judith Leiber Large Channeled Rectangle, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


The structure of a solid rectangle shape combined with the softness of a floral pattern in neutral golds and browns makes for another beautiful handbag creation from Judith Leiber. The Large Channeled Rectangle (seems like she could have come up with a more interesting name) is accented with hand-glued Austrian crystals along the top and bottom and has a decorative detachable chain handle with a short 6" drop. And like all of Judith Leiber's bags it comes beautifully boxed with a keepsake bag. 6 1/2" x 3" x 1 1/2", $3395.

Judith Leiber Peacock, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Hm...would you carry a bright sparkly peacock as a handbag? Designers like Judith Leiber definitely know their stuff and have pretty good taste but (in my opinion anyway) it's creations like this Peacock bag that remind me they're only human. I'm sure there are some people out there who think this bag (and all the other animal-shaped ones in the gallery below) are awesome and perfectly fashionable, but I'm not holding my breath to see Angelina Jolie or Reese Witherspoon carrying one on a red carpet anytime soon.

I will say that each bag in the collection is certainly beautiful to look at (especially the Polar Bear and the Owl) -- maybe they don't have to be actually worn but would make awesome collectors items instead? Peacock bag 6" x 5" x 2", $5295.

Judith Leiber Marquis, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Metallics never seem to go out of style, and when it comes to accenting an evening gown with a handbag some glistening silver mixed with a little Austrian crystal sparkle is never a bad idea. The crisp silver combined with a sunburst flower petal design on the Marquis by Judith Leiber make it a great bag for all seasons (it could pass as an ice and snowflake pattern in the winter) but of course it's really an essential for spring. It has a push down snap closure, lined interior, chain handle with a 9.5" drop, plus it comes boxed up all pretty with a keepsake bag. 5" x 4" x 1.5", $1295.


Leiber Glisten Floral Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


One look at this gorgeous floral clutch and it is easy to see why Leiber was named the most prestigious handbag brand in the Luxury Institute's 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index survey. Covered in Austrian crystals and trimmed in gold-tone metal, the clutch is feminine and colorful. An optional 15" chain strap is included and the interior is lined in napa leather. Measuring 3 ¼"H x 6"W x 1 ¾"D, the clutch is hand-crafted and sells for $3,595.

Judith Leiber Slender Curve Minaudiere, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


You would think an evening bag completely covered in Austrians crystal would be a bit garish, but this one isn't. It's the subtle silver and champagne color of the crystals against the pale gold-tone hardware that keeps things in check. The frame is gracefully curved and the elegant push-lock closure adds a modern touch. A 10½" jeweled chain shoulder strap is included, which can be neatly tucked away inside the bag. The bag comes with a double sided mirror and a matching coin purse. $1495.

Judith Leiber Asscher, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Many of Judith Leiber's designs are quirky little creations that wouldn't appeal to most. Her Dora fish is cute, but might make a grown women feel a bit like a child. But this one I like. The Asscher is a compact evening bag with a large Austrian crystal placed front and center. Surrounded by even more crystals, the bag resembles a great, big diamond glowing against a field of black. Lined in satin with a detachable chain, the bag measures 3.5" square and is 1.5" deep. $2695.

Judith Leiber Pigtail Miniaudier, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

I am a handbag addict. I love to buy, collect, window shop for and write about handbags. And for the most part, I love all styles and for those that I am not in love with, I can at least have an appreciation for the design and effort that went behind creating it. But today, I am stumped and shocked and a bit confused with Judith Leiber's Pigtail Miniaudier. I am definitely not in love with this cute little pig and I am desperately trying to appreciate the craftsmanship behind this - but this is a hard one. The Pigtail Miniaudier is thoroughly adorned with multicolor Austrian crystals resulting in a eye catching design but perhaps more suited for an ultra luxurious piggy bank or a decorative accent piece for a child's bedroom. I realize that Leiber is known for her out of the box and kooky designs, but I think this might be pushing it. Who wants to carry a little pig as a bag? Dimensions: 4 1/2"H x 3 1/2"W. Price: $3,600.


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