Quality made to measure

Rudolf Scheer & Söhne is steeped in tradition. In 1816 Johann Scheer opened a shoemakers in Vienna. His grandson Rudolf’s customer list included such prominent names as Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1878 he became official Court Shoemaker, a title that elevated him to the rank of imperial court purveyor. Today the family business has entered its sixth generation and is still making quality tailored ladies' and gentlemen’s footwear.

Ludwig Reiter Schuhmanufaktur is now in its fourth generation of family ownership, and its classic Viennese Goodyear-welted shoes uphold a fine tradition. In recent decades Reiter has gradually added a broad portfolio of high-quality leisure shoes, leather goods and other accessories. Ludwig Reiter shops can be found in Austria and Germany, the most impressive of which is the boutique in the Drei Mäderl Haus in Vienna's historic city center. The building was constructed in 1803 on the Mölkerbastei which then formed part of the old city fortifications.

The much-coveted Am Graben address has been home to the Knize & Comp salon for over a century. In the 19th century the archdukes of the ruling Habsburg dynasty commissioned the services of the tailors and in 1922 Knize established itself as the first modern international fashion label for gentlemen. The label has always steered clear of passing fads, instead promoting style without any compromises. The repertoire includes tails, dinner jackets (tuxedo), suits, blazers and the Stresemann. Knize is also renowned for Knize Ten, a special fragrance for worldly gentlemen that first appeared in the 1920s.