Summary

String of handbag labels for K.O. Geiger of Collins Street, Melbourne, circa 1940s. They were used by Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, who made bags for K.O. Geiger. The labels were found in the small storeroom downstairs at Simpson's factory.

Kurt Geiger (1915-1972) was born in Vienna and studied medicine at the University of Vienna. He and his wife Olga (nee Trenschina) fled anti-semitism, arriving in Melbourne in August 1938; Kurt's parents and sister were killed by the Nazi regime. Kurt could not afford to continue his medical studies in Melbourne, instead setting up a small shop and selling imported bags, then window-dressing while Olga continued to run the shop. Their business interests extended over the years, and Kurt became prominent in public life, including serving as chair (1959-60) of the Museum of Modern Art of Australia. They set up a shoe shop in London in 1964; Olga returned to Australia in 1967 to set up another handbag store, and passed away in 1969. Kurt passed away in London in 1972.

Simpson's Gloves was formed in 1924 and produced leather gloves and coats, handbags, helmets and associated leather goods. The company first operated in Smith Street, and subsequently Alexandra Parade, Collingwood, relocating to Victoria Street, Richmond in 1928, where it remained until 1988.

Physical Description

Handbag label tape, off-white with black inscription. Label has small logo: flower or star over 'K.O' over 'GEIGER'.

More Information