J.B. Filz
Vivat Sequens. A History of Scent Since 1809
1. Identity & Presence
J.B. Filz, formerly known as the k.k. Hof-Parfumeur (Imperial and Royal Court Perfumer), is a storied family business with a heritage dating back to 1809. While their iconic "Duft G'wölb" (Fragrance Vault) on Graben in Vienna's 1st district closed its physical doors in March 2023, after 214 years, the brand continues its legacy online. Today, customers can find their curated collection of signature scents through their online shop at jbfilz.at, and they can be reached via office@jbfilz.at. The company is officially classified within the perfumery and cosmetics sector.
Company Filz on Instagram
2. The Origin Story & Key Figures
The J.B. Filz story began in 1809, amidst the Napoleonic Wars, when Anton Filz founded a perfumery on the Graben. He offered his own crafted creams and scented waters, alongside a soap manufactory. The business flourished, particularly after the Congress of Vienna. A pivotal moment came with Anton's sudden death in 1818, which led his 18-year-old son, Johann Baptist Filz, to bravely take over the perfumery despite initial difficulties. Johann Baptist, originally a hatmaker, dedicated himself to acquiring expertise by attending lectures at the Vienna Polytechnic. He was instrumental in expanding the business, even utilizing the newly established Danube steamship service in 1830 to offer his products in Budapest. His pioneering spirit led to patents for unique creations like "Genuine Parisian Ladies' Preservation Water" and efforts to import exclusive foreign goods from London and Paris, ensuring the perfumery was always at the forefront of the industry.
3. The Core of the Craft
J.B. Filz stood for an unwavering commitment to first-class goods and an unparalleled approach to personal fragrance consultation. Their signature creations, such as the revitalized Lavendelwasser (Lavender Water), Wiener Lieblingsduft (Vienna's Favorite Scent), and Imperiales Veilchen (Imperial Violet) – notably favored by Empress Sisi – exemplify their unique craftsmanship. In more recent years, they also introduced innovative coffee-inspired scents like Café de Vienne and Café Esprit.
The company's core belief revolved around personal connection and understanding the "scent personality" of each client. Helga Zmrzlik-Filz, the 6th generation owner, possessed an unerring instinct for translating individual needs into olfactory expressions. For her, scents had colors and associations, going far beyond mere ingredients. This deep, personalized understanding of fragrance was implemented daily, setting them apart from generic offerings. The values of "courtesy and utmost integrity" were fundamental to their business practices, fostering trust and loyalty among a discerning clientele who valued personal contact above all else.
4. Enduring Legacy & Resilience
J.B. Filz remained in business for over two centuries due to its steadfast adherence to the principle of "first-class goods" and a relentless focus on customer relationships. Their "secret sauce" lay in their ability to offer highly personalized consultations and hand-selected, unique products tailored to individual personalities, a stark contrast to mass-market offerings. This commitment, coupled with genuine personal contact, earned them a dedicated base of national and international repeat customers.
Throughout its long history, the company navigated significant challenges, including two World Wars, where goods became scarce and even a simple piece of soap was a luxury. They adapted by expanding their offerings, first with bijouterie after WWII, and later by evolving their product focus. Initially renowned for skincare, they shrewdly shifted towards an expanded fragrance assortment and, in later decades, focused on niche products and exclusive brands not available elsewhere, allowing them to thrive against larger perfumery chains.
5. Vision for the Future
The 8th generation of J.B. Filz has actively embraced innovation to ensure their traditions and craftsmanship remain relevant in a changing world. By launching an online shop, offering their products in selected physical shops, and engaging in occasional pop-up events, they are strategically safeguarding their heritage. This multi-faceted approach ensures their beloved signature scents, and the essence of J.B. Filz's unique creations and commitment to quality, remain accessible to a broader audience for decades to come. Their move to combine digital presence with curated physical points of sale demonstrates a clear vision for how their rich heritage will play a vital role in their future.