Judith Leiber, who died on Saturday at the age of 97 just hours after her husband Gerson passed away at their home in Springs, N.Y., was not just remarkable for her career anchored in the Swarovski crystal-adorned minaudières. Just as inspiring was the journey that brought her here and became the stuff of American dreams.

Both Judith Peto, Leiber, a Holocaust survivor, struggled through her native Budapest during World War II when the city was occupied by Nazis. It is there, after the war ended, that she met her husband Gerson Leiber, an American G I, and the two came to America where she worked for Nettie Rosenstein and honed her craft in handbag design.

She launched her own handbag firm in 1963, and the rest is minaudière history. Judith Leiber handbags are in the collections of major museums around the world, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The CFDA honored Leiber with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 (she wore a minaudière around her neck that evening).

For the CFDA Awards Journal that year, we had asked the influencers of that time – most of which have also since passed – to give us their take on this accessory legend. Here, the Awards Journal tribute:

“Judith’s bags are wonderful. They’re simply superb modern pieces that are so artfully and skillfully executed.” – Geoffrey Beene

“Judith Leiber bags are unique because of the craftsmanship and quality involved. Her products represent true luxury. I have great respect for Judith Leiber, who has worked so hard all her life to maintain this standard of excellence.” – Nina Griscom

“Judith Leiber makes what are equivalent to carrying jewels. The minaudieres are really an opportunity to carry something that’s sculptural in form that can complement any garment.” – Richard Martin

“I happen to love her daytime bags. She uses the most beautiful soft, supple leather and all the details are magnificent. The workmanship is perfection.” – Anne Slater

“Judith Leiber is a genius. There is not to be found anywhere the quality of workmanship she offers.” – Pat Buckley

“I carry one of Judy’s purses or nothing at all” – Beverly Sills

“Judith Leiber makes the most beautiful bags in the world.” – Stanley Marcus

“They inspire the same awe as Bulgari jewels or Fabergé eggs.” – Bernadine Morris

“I think that Judith Leiber is the most creative, talented handbag designer in the world… To have her bag in your hand or on your arm is a great joy.” – Barbara Davis