Fashion designer and businesswoman Judith Leiber is famously known for her whimsical jewel-encrusted evening clutches. Collected by celebrities and fans alike, the pop culture–inspired creations are more than just handbags; they’re pieces of art. Born in Budapest, Judith met her future husband, artist Gerson Leiber, during the final years of World War II. After marrying and settling in New York City, the couple built successful creative careers while spending increasing amounts of time in Springs, where they found inspiration in the East End’s artistic community and natural beauty.
In the early 1960s, Judith founded Judith Leiber Handbags, Inc., transforming her designs into one of the most recognizable luxury accessories brands in the world. While Judith built the company creatively, Gerson helped support its growth through financial and business development efforts alongside his own flourishing art career. After selling the company in 2000, Judith became determined to preserve her life’s work by reacquiring vintage handbags from auction houses, collectors, and private owners worldwide.
That effort ultimately led to the creation of The Leiber Collection, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic legacies of both Judith and Gerson Leiber. Today, the museum houses two permanent collections: the Judith Leiber Collection, featuring an extraordinary selection of handbags spanning her career, and the Gerson Leiber Collection, showcasing his paintings, prints, and sculptures. Together, the collections reveal the creative dialogue that defined both their personal and professional lives.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, The Leiber Collection presents rotating exhibitions and the Garden of Friends, an annual outdoor show set within the Leiber Sculpture Garden. Each spring, the exhibition highlights East End artists whose work reflects the region’s rich artistic heritage and connection to the natural landscape. This year’s exhibition, “Ode to the Sea,” explores the ocean’s enduring influence on life and creativity on the East End.
Timeline
1946 – Judith and Gerson Leiber marry and remain together for 72 years.
1956 – The couple buys a six-acre property in Springs for $10,000.
1963 – Leiber founds Judith Leiber Handbags, Inc., after years working as a patternmaker and then foreman for several handbag companies in NYC.
2005 – The couple builds the gallery adjacent to their Springs home to display their art collection and chronicle their careers.
2008 – The Leiber Collection opens to the public.
2020 – The Leiber Collection announces its first annual Garden of Friends outdoor show.
2026 – The Leiber Collection hosts the “Judith and Gerson Leiber: A Passion for Fashion,” exhibition honoring the creative partnership between the couple through December 6, 2026.
Did you know…
- Judith Leiber’s iconic crystal minaudières were accidentally born when she used rhinestones to camouflage a manufacturing flaw.
- Initially, Judith and Gerson were the only two employees of the Judith Leiber Handbags company. Judith oversaw design and production, while Gerson made deliveries to department stores.
- Over the years, Leiber designed clutches for multiple First Ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush.
- The largest celebrity collection of Judith Leiber Handbags belongs to the Kardashian-Jenner family. Both Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner own an extensive selection of Leiber’s novelty and crystal-encrusted clutches.
The museum is located at 446 Old Stone Highway, East Hampton, and is open year-round on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays from 1–4 p.m., with private tours available by appointment. For more information, visit leibercollection.org.
Audrey Glass
