Vintage Leiber Snakeskin Purse with Unique Frame with Stones

Although this design style is popular among Leiber fans, it also exemplifies the genius of the designer. Unique and forward thinking, the unusual and abstract design of the frame is something that was new to fashionistas who bought up Leiber's purses as soon as they hit the market. To this day the appeal of this bag is tremendous.

DESCRIPTION: The bag is medium sized and it is very rounded although the semi precious stones on the frame are encased in geometric rectangular bezels. Otherwise, the curvaceous design is very prominent. The bag is covered with the skins of the karung lizard, a reptile that Leiber preferred. They are dyed a neutral wheat color and the tiny diamond shaped scales take on a deeper tone. This results in an eye popping appearance of contrast between the two hues of beige. The front of the bag has a rounded frame that is covered with the skins. However, it is what adorns the frame that sets this purse above the rest. Under the skinned frame there is a curved strip of large semi precious stones, namely rose quartz and jadeite, set in a gold metal square bezel. The "strip" covers half of the top by the frame. Then, to everyone's surprise, there is another 1/2 "strip" of rectangular semi precious stones on top of the lizard frame. Who'd of "thunk" it! This strip is slightly larger than the bottom one. All stones are multi faceted and they all have dimension. The back of the bag has one "strip" of stones, also covering just half of the bag. The front of the bag. for some reason, has a "ying yang" vibe to me, in addition to its deco appearance. These bezels are part of the closure mechanism with the last green stone and its neighbor pink stone "pushed" to open the bag. The green stone actually is anchored by itself, although it looks as though its part of the upper "strip." Masterful engineering. The bag can be converted to a shoulder bag by using Leiber's internal hardware. The chain is jewelry quality serpentine gold metal. It's drop is 20". The inside is lined with the skins and a light grosgrain fabric. There are two open pockets and the gold metal Leiber signature panel is affixed inside. The inside is clean. The measurements of the purse are 9"w x 8"h x 1 1/2"d. The purse is in great condition. There are some vintage indications such as slight glue seepage (to be expected) but essentially it is in good shape for its age. This purse could be named the "Back to the Future" purse. Just wonderful! Condition: Excellent - VINTAGE Condition