Judith Leiber Perfume & Women's Fragrance

The whimsical and unusual handbag designs by Hungarian designer Judith Leiber have been recognised as one of America's finest examples of dedicated craftsmanship. All hand-made with meticulous attention to detail, the haute couture clutches and Minaudières are decorated with crystals and rhinestones. The bags come in a variety of shapes such as animals, food or clothing and are often seen on the red carpet. The swan bag was famously featured in the US hit show Sex and the City which stars Sarah Jessica Parker who has declared herself an admirer of Leiber's designs. The unusual and quirky bags are also loved by celebrities like Katy Perry and Kelly Osbourne. They are furthermore a staple piece for American first ladies since Mamie Eisenhower showcased one of the famous bags at the inauguration ceremony of her husband Dwight.

When she retired in 1998, Judith Leiber had created around 3000 different designs for handbags and accessories. Born in Budapest in 1921 as part of a Jewish family, the young Judith was forced to give up on her higher education due to the rise of fascism and joined the Hungarian bag maker guild. She later became the first woman to ever receive the title of master craftswoman. After the war she started to make her own bags until she emigrated to the United States in 1948 together with her husband. After working as a handbag designer for several other brands, she finally opened her own business, The Leiber Company, in 1963. The business expanded quickly and Judith Leiber is today sold in official boutiques in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas and California, in the most prestigious department stores as well as online.

Apart from designer bags, jewellery and accessories, the brand also introduced a line of female fragrances in 2007. The signature scent Leiber (2007) is an oriental floral fragrance created by Karine Dubreuil who previously worked for big brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Guerlain. The fruity and zesty top note of pineapple and bergamot is followed by a floral middle note composed of notes of rose, cyclamen, jasmine and pimento and rounded off in an aromatic base of amber, patchouli, musk and cedar.

Other notable fragrances are the oriental spicy Judith Leiber Night (2011) with a dominant cinnamon note on the top of the composition, the floral fruity Amethyst (2012) as well as Exotic Coral (2013), a floral fruity scent with tropical notes of coconut, Tiare flower, lime and rum.

In 2010 CFDA member Jane Matheson took the position of creative director at Judith Leiber and under her supervision the company was able to incorporate a modern approach to their trademark designs. Judith Leiber purses are exhibited in museums all over the world including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the MOMA in NYC and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.