Not Just Any Clutch!

Judith Leiber clutches are synonymous with the Oscars.  There is no doubt that we will see many of them this Sunday as the stars walk the red carpet.  There will be all sorts of shapes –  amazingly designed and beautifully crafted.

Judith Leiber (nee Peto) was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1921 to Jewish parents.   Needing to escape the horrors of the Holocaust during the Second World War, her father was able to obtain a schutzpass, a doument which gave him and his family safe passage to Switzerland.

Not being able to pursue her chemistry studies (yes, chemistry!), Judith Peto went to work for a well known handbag designer where she learnt the business from the outside in and from the inside out.  She started her own company in 1963 and, with a great work ethic, the rest is history.

Judith Leiber bags are carried by the “rich and famous” the world over.  (I have to say, one has to be have lots of money as they are priced in the thousands of dollars.)  It is not only Hollywood who carries Judith Leiber.   Apparently, most First Ladies, since 1963, have carried custom-made Judith Leiber bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies.

These handbags are works of art – there is absolutely NO doubt.  They come in all sorts of shapes.

So, as you enjoy the Oscars on Sunday, look out for these wonderful little accents.  There will be many!