LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring legendary fashion designer Judith Leiber
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in the Empire State are
greatly enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who
devote themselves to endeavors of family, faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
legendary fashion designer Judith Leiber upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition; and to celebrate the exhibition of 500
of her amazing handbags on display in commemoration of the 50th Anniver-
sary of the accessory artist's work and contributions to the fashion
industry; and
WHEREAS, Judith Leiber is not only a Holocaust survivor, but she is
also the designer of unique artful handbags, 80 of which are in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City; in addition, beginning in
1953, every American First Lady, from Mamie Eisenhower on, has carried a
Judith Leiber handbag to the presidential inauguration, and those hand-
bags are now in the presidential libraries of all of those particular
presidents; and
WHEREAS, Judith Leiber had to struggle to survive under the daily
threat of extermination posed by the terrifying Nazi occupation of Buda-
pest during World War II; while she proved determined and resourceful in
saving the lives of her family and herself, she also managed to learn
the intricate craft of designing and making a handbag from conception to
finished product, and each bag was considered a unique work of art; and
WHEREAS, When the war finally ended, Judith Leiber met an American GI,
Gerson Leiber, on the war-torn streets of Budapest; they had a whirlwind
courtship and were married within the year and while still in Budapest,
Gerson began his formal art training at the Royal Academy of Art; and
WHEREAS, When the Leibers arrived in New York City, they were a pair
of ambitious dreamers; Gerson wanted to succeed as an artist, and Judith
wanted to design handbags; and
WHEREAS, Gerson studied at the Art Student's League and learned to
paint in virtually every modern style; Judith took jobs with fashion
houses and most of her time was spent working for America's then most
esteemed fashion designer, Nettie Rosenstein, the woman who created the
little black dress; and
WHEREAS, Judith Leiber's reputation for creativity and uniquely beau-
tiful designs was rapidly spreading amongst the arbiters of fashion; her
handbags were featured in VOGUE and HARPER'S BAZAAR, as well as other
top-flight fashion magazines; and
WHEREAS, In East Hampton, New York, the Leibers have built a magnif-
icent Palladian-style museum on seven acres of beautiful gardens; the
museum is currently displaying 500 Judith Leiber handbags, representing
50 years of her amazing career; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to Judith Leiber for her dedication and commitment to her commu-
nity and her heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor legendary fashion designer Judith Leiber upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Judith Leiber.