Luxury can be something very traditional in Vienna. In imperial times, special workshops were granted a privilege authorizing them to supply their wares to the imperial court. The term "Imperial Court Purveyor" was officially mentioned for the first time in 1782. Over time, this developed into a prestigious honorary title and first-class seal of quality that has been proudly carried by over 500 enterprises. The court may have long since disappeared in Vienna, but the designation k.u.k. Hoflieferant continues to stand for top quality.

Imperial and royal court purveyors can be found in all industries - after all, the Viennese court needed goods and services of every kind, such as those of the two most famous confectioners. Now as then, Sacher and the court confectioner Demel supply the city and its visitors with delicacies such as Sachertorte and candied violets. Empress Sisi was particularly fond of the (violet) sweets from Demel. The trademark of the coffee house remains the exclusively female staff in black uniforms. The so-called "Demelinerinnen" have been addressing solely in the third person for 200 years with the phrase "Haben schon gewählt?" (Have you already chosen?).

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Suppliers to the imperial house

Kniže once tailored royal robes; today, the man of the world can still find bespoke suits for everyone occasion from this gentlemen's outfitters. Empress Elisabeth decorated her hair with diamond stars from the house of Köchert, since when the jeweler has produced precious stars based on the original Sisi designs for uncrowned heads as well. Bespoke shoes from Scheer have been providing comfortable support and that special look since 1816. The elegant custom-tailored shoes are produced by hand to the ancient art of shoemaking, taking 60 hours of work per shoe. Even the shoe trees of Emperor Franz Joseph can be marveled at in the foyer here.

Stylish homeware - from the sparkling chandelier to the drinks service - can be found at the glass manufacturer J. & L. Lobmeyr. Naturally, the famous Augarten Porcelain Manufactory once supplied the imperial house and continues to produce elegant pieces of the finest quality. Porcelain from the best manufactories, glassware, crystal and flatware are also offered by Albin Denk. The stores of the former imperial and royal court purveyors can primarily be found in the Old City in the 1st district.