Works of art

For more than 30 years, a Judith Leiber handbag has stood for the ultimate in craftsmanship and design. It has become an icon of fashion and style and has evolved into a coveted status object for celebrities, socialites and collectors. Yet, beyond the glamour, a Judith Leiber handbag stands out as remarkable works of art.

One Leiber beaded handbag can be encrusted with as many as thirteen thousand Swarovski crystals and take up to five days to complete. While the bejeweled minaudière bag may be the style with which Leiber is most often associated, she has designed handbags using a broad range of unusual materials. These include antique fabrics, seashells, metalwork, carved wood, and exotic skins. Most recently stylist Rachel Zoe has added a few designs to the collection including the Cleopatra (top photo). An elegant python skin clutch accented with Austrian crystals.

Maybe one I will be fortunate enough to own one of these works of art.