Celebrating 110 Years

CELEBRATING 110 YEARS

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 110 YEARS OF MOSCOT CRAFTSMANSHIP AND STYLE AS WE ENTER OUR 12TH DECADE IN THE BIZ.

Over the years, we've built a rich heritage rooted in timeless design and the vibrant culture of New York City. To commemorate this milestone, we’re embarking on a groundbreaking journey through time, blending the past and future by recreating NYC style from each decade using cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and traditional photography – a true first in the eyewear world.

Learn more about the campaign.

1915

The 1910s marked an era of rapid industrialization, where practicality and durability defined fashion. As cities expanded and modern manufacturing rose, The HAMISH exemplifies the sturdy construction demanded by the era.

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1915

The MOSCOT optical roots were first planted by Great-Great-Grandpa Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. He began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and by 1915, opened the family’s first Shop at 94 Rivington Street.

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THE HAMISH

As cities expanded and modern manufacturing rose in the 1910s, The HAMISH, with its classic P-3 shape and authentic cable temples that hugged the ears and straddled the nose, exemplifies the sturdy construction demanded by the era.

SHOP HAMISH

Great-Great-Grandpa Hyman arrives from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island

Hyman, first generation, in front of first Shop at 94 Rivington Street

Hyman sells eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street

1920s

The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, burst with economic prosperity and cultural liberation. Hyman’s son, Great Grandpa Sol, at just 15 years old, joined the family business in 1925, dispensing quality customer service and eyewear at fair prices – an ethos that would ring true generations later.

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THE TUCHUS

The TUCHUS captures the era’s daring spirit with its sleek, round frames and high nose bridge, echoing the artistic expression and flair of a time when jazz and style redefined societal norms. It’s a perfect reflection of the decade’s embrace of creativity and individuality.

SHOP TUCHUS

Hyman, first generation, also known as "Mr. MOSCOT, Sr."

Sol, second generation, proudly displays his first car

1930s

The 1930’s, defined by the Great Depression, saw fashion shift toward practicality and understated elegance. As economic hardship reshaped society, extravagant styles of the previous decade faded; simpler, more functional designs took center stage.

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THE MILTZEN

Introduced in this era and named after Uncle Heshy (known as Uncle Miltzen, don’t ask us why), The MILTZEN, with its timeless round shape and minimalist design, became the symbol of quiet sophistication, embodying the strength and perseverance that marked the decade.

SHOP MILTZEN

"The Modern Equipped Eye Examination Room" at 119 Orchard Street

Sol and Joe Hamill, who has a bar on Rivington Street, at Ellis Island

1940s

After the Great Depression came World War II, a global conflict that reshaped political borders and profoundly affected civilian and military lives. The 1940s saw fashion become more utilitarian and functional, driven by wartime rationing and necessity. Clothing and accessories were designed for practicality and longevity with simple lines and durable materials.

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THE VILDA

The VILDA, with its sturdy construction and straightforward design, reflects the era’s emphasis on practicality and durability. As materials were rationed and designs simplified, this frame’s sharp lines and sleek cat-eye silhouette add a touch of elegance to an era that balanced style with utility.

SHOP VILDA

Sol and Sylvia with their three children, Danny, Beverly, and Joel, celebrate Joel's birthday

Great-Grandma Sylvia returns from a cruise - and today, she adorns all MOSCOT Tote Bags

Sylvia and Sol with Beverly, Joel, and Danny at Coney Island

1950s

The 1950s heralded a post-war economic boom. In 1951, Great Grandpa Sol’s charming and dedicated son, Grandpa Joel, took over the “House of MOSCOT,” quickly making his mark and passing on the family’s values to the next generation.

Introduced during this era, The LEMTOSH became a symbol of mid-century sophistication.

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THE LEMTOSH

With prosperity on the rise, fashion embraced tailored suits and polished looks. The LEMTOSH, with its distinct keyhole nose bridge and classic shape, captures the balance of form and function, embodying the refined elegance and confidence that characterized 1950s style.

SHOP LEMTOSH

Sol, second generation, behind the counter at 118 Orchard Street

"Sol's Thrones," tongue-and-groove chairs, at 118 Orchard Street - and today, in our Shops around the globe

MOSCOT at 118 Orchard Street - above Natlea Luncheonette, a local fave

Joel, third generation, joins the family business with a legacy of charm and devotion to customers

Joel and his wife Theodora on their honeymoon at the beach

MOSCOT at 118 Orchard Street, home for eight decades

1960s

The 1960s ignited a cultural revolution, where bold experiments in fashion, art, and social norms challenged the status quo and pushed for progressive change. In eyewear, a variety of lens colors grew in popularity. MOSCOT introduced handmade, dip-dyed Custom Made Tints™ in shades like Big Apple Fade, Mellow Yellow, Denim Blue, Limelight, and American Grey Fade. Joel’s son Dr. Harvey (4th Generation) got his first job tinting in the lab!

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THE NEBB

The NEBB, with its chunky, rectangular frame and bold, assertive design, captures the spirit of rebellion and individuality that defined the decade. As the era’s style icons pushed boundaries, this frame stands out amongst the rest.

SHOP NEBB

Sol's porter Tony parks his bike after an eyeglass delivery

1970s

The 1970s saw the rise of the counterculture movement, with bold fashion choices and alternative lifestyles rejecting mainstream values. Oversized statement-making pieces became popular, reflecting the era’s embrace of individuality and self-expression.

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THE SHTARKER

As aviators became synonymous with individuality and self-expression, The SHTARKER is a statement piece for people seeking to break away from convention. Featuring a double-bar nose bridge, oversized frames, and bold design, the frame epitomizes the daring style of the 1970s.

SHOP SHTARKER

Joel and Sol, third and second generations

Sol with grandson Harvey and son Joel at the New York City Bicentennial

1980s

The 1980s celebrated power dressing, where bold shoulder pads, sharp suits, and statement-making accessories became symbols of confidence and success in the corporate world. In 1986, Dr. Harvey joined the family business as the first Doctor of Optometry, ultimately founding MOSCOT Mobileyes non-profit and MOSCOT Music to support artists in downtown NYC.

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THE SHEISTER

The SHEISTER, with its classic teardrop aviator shape and wrap-around frame front, embodies the era’s love for strong, assertive designs. This frame is a key accessory for those looking to make a bold statement, capturing the decade’s blend of ambition and style.

SHOP SHEISTER

Sol and Joel, second and third generation

Harvey Moscot, fourth generation, joins as first Doctor of Optometry

1990s

The 1990s saw the rise of technological advances that shaped pop culture and set the stage for the digital age. Minimalist styles dominated, with a focus on casual, effortless looks like grunge and streetwear.

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The MOYEL

The MOYEL, with its sleek wire frames and understated, vintage-esque design, captures the era’s minimalist aesthetic. As the decade’s fashion embraced simplicity, this frame is a symbol of the cool, pared-down style that defined the 1990s’ blend of tech-driven innovation and relaxed, everyday wear.

SHOP MOYEL

Joel's youngest son and Harvey's brother Kenny joins

Great-Grandpa Sol's slogan "Your Vision is Our Concern"™ remains true today

MOSCOT Mobileyes, founded by Harvey, provides eyecare to those in need

2000s

The 2000s were marked by a blend of futuristic tech enthusiasm and retro fashion revivals, influenced by major global events like the dot-com bubble burst and the rise of social media. Fashion embraced both digital-forward looks and nostalgic styles, creating a unique mix of old and new.

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THE ZEV

The ZEV is named after Great Grandpa Sol’s cousin Zeyfer Braunstein (Zev for short). This frame, a classic P-3 shape handcrafted from metal and Italian acetate, reflects the decade’s mix of sleek innovation and retro charm, as the era fused cutting-edge trends with throwback influences.

SHOP ZEV

Joel's wife Theodora and MOSCOTEER Marilyn

MOSCOT opens its second Shop in New York City

MOSCOT Music, founded by Harvey, connects fans with musical artists

2010s

The 2010s were defined by the rise of social media influencers along with global events like the economic recovery and growing social activism. In 2013, Dr. Harvey’s son Zack, a formally trained industrial designer, joined as the first Chief Design Officer and fifth generation Moscot.

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The ARTHUR

2010s’ influencers and tastemakers embraced both heritage and forward-thinking designs. The ARTHUR, based on The LEMTOSH silhouette but with a similar profile and business-ready keyhole nose bridge, remixes classic with contemporary fashion, becoming a symbol of refined style for the modern era.

SHOP ARTHUR