Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story of Blocki Perfume Co. begins in 1865, when John Blocki established his fragrance business in Chicago during the formative years of American perfumery. After an apprenticeship with a prominent chemist, Blocki opened a shop specializing in essential oils, perfumes and pomades, quickly establishing a reputation for quality that would endure for decades. Blocki emerged as one of the earliest fragrance houses in the United States, a time when American perfumers were still establishing their own identity separate from French counterparts. The family-owned company cemented a long legacy that lasted until 1950, with John Blocki's daughter Emma contributing to the brand's cultural footprint through her poetic memoir. The brand remained dormant for sixty-five years. In 2015, Tyler and Tammy Kraemer, great-great-grandchildren of the original founder, re-launched Blocki Perfume Co. Their revival involved not only resurrecting archival formulas but also creating new additions, establishing what became known as the Heritage Collection. The brand's story reflects the continuity of American craftsmanship across generations, with descendants carrying forward a vision that began in the post-Civil War era.
Blocki approaches fragrance creation with an emphasis on American heritage and artisanal authenticity. The brand positions itself as an original American heritage perfumery, drawing from the early traditions of American scent-making rather than following contemporary market trends. This commitment to authenticity shapes both the creative process and the final products. The working relationship between the Kraemers and American perfumers reflects a collaborative approach that values craft traditions. The brand's philosophy centers on connecting contemporary consumers to the rich history of American perfumery, making heritage fragrances accessible to modern audiences. Blocki rejects fleeting trends in favor of compositions with lasting appeal, using the Heritage Collection as a foundation for ongoing creative development.