Judith Leiber

by Enid Nemy

Book Overview

Here, in a lively, anecdotal text by Enid Nemy, a feature writer for the New York Times, is the personal story of Judith Leiber--'The Bag Lady from Budapest'--spanning her roots in pre-World War II Hungary, where she was the first woman accepted into the handbag Guild, through her emigration to the United States, where, after several stints working for other handbag manufacturers, she opened her own business in 1963. Some 192 full-color photographs...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810935716
• ISBN13: 9780810935716
• Release Date: February 1995
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 159 Pages
• Weight: 2.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 9.0" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Necessity...the mother of invention.

The book in itself is a treasure, as a woman, I drool over her magnificent minaudieres. Beyond the "frill" is the story of a woman who found a way to salvage her livelihood from an unexpected situation. Judith Leiber, her story is that of creativity unleashed.

wearable, collectible art form

I bought this book for my daughter who has an obsession with unique handbags. This was the perfect gift for her! Not only does it show hundreds of designs, the book tells the fascinating story of Judith Leiber and gives a glimpse into the creative mind of this world-famous craftsman (crafts-w o m a n). The handbags she has designed are whimsical AND elegant, and are coveted by celebrities and socialites. The book is interesting, inspiring and a whole lot of FUN. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates imagination, creativity, and uniqueness. BORING it's not!

The Art of the Handbag

I read the book in my daughters home some time ago and just had to have a copy of my own. Unfortunately I had to purchase it at an inflated price as the book is out of print. Ms. Lieber's story is such an inspiring one of a woman who is typical of what the American Dream is all about. She had a skill and took that skill to rise to the top. She is imaginative, creative, skillful and an unyielding artist. Her bags are now being copied by people but the fine artistery and quality are difficult to copy. She uses superior materials or use to. She is now retired and sold the business. The quality still prevails.One of the best stories in the book is the one about the woman who called her friends to join her at her home for a dinner party. The hostess asked each woman to bring her Judith Lieber jeweled bag. The woman placed the bags down the middle of the table, surrounded them by votive candles and that was her center piece.A clever idea with outstanding, glittery and beautiful handbags. I never thought I'd be able to own a Judith Lieber bag, but one of my daughter's can afford them and lavishly spoils her mother. My dream is to save enough money to purchase one on my own. They are absolutely beautiful bags and it is a terrific book.