Brilliant by Design : The Handbags of Judith Leiber
The Handbags of Judith Leiber to open October 24 at The Mint Museum - The exhibition showcases more than 100 iconic handbags celebrating the artistry, innovation, and legacy of fashion designer Judith Leiber
The Mint Museum will present Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber, a major exhibition celebrating the extraordinary artistry, technical mastery, and imagination behind the dazzling handbags of legendary designer Judith Leiber. On view Oct. 24, 2026 through July 3, 2027 at Mint Museum Randolph, the exhibition brings together more than 100 handbags and accessories, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the remarkable creative legacy of one of fashion’s most influential accessory designers.
Leiber transformed the evening bag into a wearable work of art. Her jewel-encrusted minaudières, whimsical animal forms, and architecturally inspired designs became synonymous with glamour, attracting collectors and admirers around the world. Carried by first ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton, as well as celebrities like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry, her handbags transcend trends to become enduring symbols of creativity and luxury.
Several rare and exceptional pieces are included in the exhibition, among them handbags constructed from an actual shell and designs inspired by the Tiffany mosaic ceilings that captivated Leiber’s imagination. Presented alongside fashions from The Mint Museum collection, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the role of accessories in fashion history and to appreciate Leiber’s enduring influence on design.
“Judith Leiber elevated the handbag from an accessory to an artistic statement,” says Bridget Kerr, fashion fellow at The Mint Museum and curator of the exhibition. “This exhibition reveals not only the ingenuity and technical excellence behind her designs but also the inspiring story of a woman whose perseverance, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit reshaped the landscape of luxury fashion.”
Beyond their beauty, Leiber's creations reflect her unparalleled technical expertise and imaginative vision. Whether crafting a delicate floral clutch, a crystal-studded peacock, or a handbag inspired by fine art and architecture, she approached every design with meticulous attention to detail.
Accompanying the exhibition is a richly illustrated publication of the same title, authored by Bridget Kerr with contributions from Annie Carlano, Dr. Hilary Davidson, and Olympia Le-Tan, and published by Yale University Press. The publication offers new scholarship and deeper insight into Leiber’s remarkable body of work and lasting cultural impact.
Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber is generously presented by the Mint Museum Auxiliary with additional support from Wells Fargo and HB Wealth. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Posey and Mark Mealy, and Staci and Jeff Mills.
ABOUT JUDITH LEIBER
Born Judith Petö Leiber in Budapest, Hungary, in 1921, Leiber's life story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and extraordinary achievement. Originally intending to pursue a career in chemistry, she instead entered Hungary's handbag guild after antisemitic restrictions limited educational opportunities for Jewish students. As one of few female apprentices, she mastered the technical skills of handbag design and leather craftsmanship, laying the foundation for a career that would redefine luxury accessories.
Leiber survived the Holocaust alongside members of her family before immigrating to the United States with her husband, artist Gerson Leiber, in 1947. Settling in New York, she spent more than a decade working in the American handbag industry, developing innovative construction techniques and a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship before launching her own company in 1963. Leiber led the company until she retired in 1998.
Today, her work is celebrated not only as fashion but as an important contribution to twentieth-century design history. Brilliant by Design explores both the remarkable objects she created and the extraordinary life journey that made them possible.
All images courtesy of The Mint Museum.
Beckoning 'Killer' Cat Minaudiere , c. 1994, gold - plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals, semi Judith Leiber (American, 1921 – 2018). Green Frog Minaudiere , c. 1986, Gold - plated brass, leather Judith Leiber (American, 1921 – 2018). Butterfly Pillbox , c. 1988, gold - plated brass, Swarovski Green Lizard Leather Handbag (detail) , leather, gold - plated brass, semiprecious cabochon stones, Fish Minaudiere , 2007, silver - plated brass, Swarovski crystals, leather Moulin Rouge Minaudiere, F/W 03-04, silk, Swarovski crystals, silver-plated brass
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber
Oct. 24, 2026–July 3, 2027Mint Museum Randolph
2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
For more information, visit mintmuseum.org.
Admission Information
Admission to The Mint Museum is free for members and youths ages 18 and younger and college art students with ID; $15 for adults; $10 for college students with ID, seniors over age 65, teachers.
About The Mint Museum
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. With two locations—Mint Museum Randolph in the heart of Eastover and Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts on South Tryon Street—the Mint boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast and is committed to engaging and inspiring members of the global community.
Full Image Details:
Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018).Beckoning 'Killer' Cat Minaudiere,c. 1994,gold-plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals, semipreciouscabochon stones. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.64a-d
Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018).Green Lizard Leather Handbag(detail),leather, gold-plated brass, semiprecious cabochon stones, silk.Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.21a-c
Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018).Butterfly Pillbox, c. 1988,gold-plated brass, Swarovski crystals. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills.2025.34.27
Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018).Green Frog Minaudiere, c. 1986,Gold-plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals, semiprecious cabochonstones. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.49
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