It’s all in the Bag!

On this date in 1921 Judith Leiber was born.

Judith was notorious for her handcrafted crystal one of a kind clutches.  She honed her skill until she was 97. 

The accessories designer whose work was favored by multiple First Ladies, was best known for her tongue-in-cheek approach to bag design.

Her husband of 72 years Gerson Leiber died a few hours after her.

She was a holocaust survivor, married Gerson, an American soldier during World War II and moved to New York. She created and helped them live “jeweled” lives after devastating beginnings. Her works of Art entertained our eye through the fanciest and dearest pocketbooks. 

Cafe society ladies could be seen sporting them on the tables of Grenouille and Cote Basque during the Jackie O years.

In random episodes of Sex in the City they were highlighted as arm candy to exemplify deliberate signs of wealth and wonder. Our take away was “wondering” how they came up with the thousands of spare change dollars to purchase one, or more. What a life Judith led from the outside in. What a blessing head on. A Survivor who was talented with an amazing eye for detail displayed through her artistry and a 72 year marriage that lasted till the last day they both passed away. Cut to…

There are some locations that never thrive in New York City The corner of 1st and 79th Street has housed one restaurant after another. Every time we think the new sign that went up looked promising we pass again and the lights are dimmed, sign down.

And then the Jim McMullen (no credit cards taken) on to Atlantic Grill spot on 3rd Avenue and 77th Street flourished until the building was torn down to develop more hospital space. 

So the take away question of the day—is the success of the Judith Lieber cocktail a mixture of championing the fallout of devastating beginnings, hard work and extreme talent with Lady Luck poured on top,  or is it that she made the very best of her “location” whether it was in the ghetto basement with 60 other holocaust survivors or the front room at La Grenouille, where her hand bags are perched on tables in statue-like fashion? If you find yourself in a paper bag today, work your way out, put up a new sign. Perhaps discover a new corner on a new block even if it is in just your imagination. Let’s do it Sunday.