Judith Leiber Evening Clutches

The evening clutch is essential to pull together an outfit for an important event. Unfortunately, I tend to spend more on bags that are more functional than the little gems worn with cute cocktail dresses. But if I had an unlimited budget, and I had a fantastic dress that called for an equally amazing clutch, I would get a Judith Leiber crystal creation. These clutches are total works of art. In fact, Judith Leiber handbags are even on permanent display at the The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Los Angeles Museum of Art. So to say they are prestige pieces would be a bit of an understatement.

They are crystal encrusted and very structured (mostly hard case with a framed top enclosure) pieces. And come in shapes such as the classic rectangle and oval, or dolphins, parrots and Buddhas. All of the crystal work for these bags is done by hand, which accounts for the amazing precision of the beading and crystal work with which other beaded bags, no matter the designer, just can't compare.

I tend to like the more classic shapes, in the art deco inspired patters such as the Enchanted Minaudiere (the silver rectangular clutch above) and the Crescendo Rectangle Minaudiere (the black and silver rhinestone clutch pictured right). They are beautifully crafted and have a timeless look that won't go out of fashion next season. These are pieces that you would pass on to your daughters for generations. If you would like to see the other incredible pieces of the crystal collection, visit Judith Leiber.