MOSCOT

HISTORY

MOSCOT is a New York City institution renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear. MOSCOT infuses its unmistakably refined, downtown aesthetic with over 100 years of eyewear expertise and unparalleled craftsmanship to create its timeless eyewear. While now recognized as a global fashion brand, MOSCOT remains, at heart, a neighborhood optical Shop.

The MOSCOT optical roots were first planted in America by great Grandfather, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan’s famed Lower East Side.

By 1915, having amassed a following of loyal customers, Hyman opened the family’s first retail Shop, MOSCOT’s at 94 Rivington Street, and the rest, as they say, is history! In 1925, Hyman’s son, Sol, at the tender age of only 15, joined the family business and helped take over the reins. By 1936, MOSCOT was settled at 118 Orchard Street, on the corner of Delancey Street, which would be its home for the next eight decades.

Sol’s son, Joel, began presiding over the “House of MOSCOT” in 1951. Charming, dedicated, and devoted to his customers, Joel quickly made his mark—overseeing the Shop and conveying the family’s values to his sons, who would soon become the fourth generation of Moscots to take the helm. In 1986, Joel’s son, Dr. Harvey Moscot, entered the family business as a practicing Optometrist.

Joel’s youngest son, Kenny Moscot, followed suit, joining the business in 1992. In March 2013, Harvey’s son, Zack Moscot, a formally trained industrial designer, came on board, making him the fifth generation Moscot to join the family business. In January, 2015, MOSCOT celebrated its 100 Year Birthday!

After 106 years in business, in October 2021, MOSCOT moved the ‘cart’ down the block one final time. Opening their original Shop in 1915 at 94 Rivington Street, one could call it fate that over a century later, the eyewear purveyor makes a permanent home at 94 Orchard Street!

With over a century of expertise, MOSCOT has successfully opened several Shops across the globe, from Los Angeles to London and Tokyo to Toronto, to add to its five Shops in New York City. Today MOSCOT is available in over 2,500 specialty retail and optical shops in over 50 countries. Hyman would be proud.

FASHION

The MOSCOT brand and our eyewear are CLASSICONIC™ — that is both

classic and iconic. Our frames are sexy, sophisticated, and fun, with clean lines and timeless designs that transcend fashion fads and trends.

HUMOR

The MOSCOT brand is witty and playful, with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor that shows we love our brand, love what we do, but never take ourselves too seriously. No matter how big we may grow, we remain self-effacing, humble, grounded, and accessible. Our shops, our external communication, our employees, and our partners (you) should all reflect this ethos.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Zack Moscot, 5th Generation, was the first Moscot to join the family business as a formally trained product designer. Born and bred in NYC, Zack incorporates his family heritage and Lower East Side DNA in all his design details.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

1. DESIGN

All eyewear is designed and prototyped by 5th generation, Zack Moscot

2. MATERIAL

Our frames are cut from premium Italian acetate sheets

3. PRECISION

Frame fronts are expertly cut and hand assembled based on the original design

4. POLISHING

The frame parts are slowly tumbled over a multi-day process for a high polish finish

5. FINAL TOUCHES

Every frame is finished by hand and engraved with our pushcart logo

WHATS IN A FRAME

Designed and prototyped in New York City, all MOSCOT Eyewear is handmade, using the highest quality materials, real hardware, and hinges that are riveted through the temple and frame fronts to ensure the sturdiest construction possible. In our very own New York City labs, MOSCOT carefully inspects every frame before dispensing eyewear to anyone, assuring the best quality possible.

MOSCOT

HISTORY

FASHION

HUMOR

CRAFTSMANSHIP

WHATS IN A FRAME

Regions covered

Other brands

GARRETT LEIGHT - Mr. LEIGHT

MONOKOL

LA LOOP

MOSCOT