Moscot Moments

Hello Amsterdam! MOSCOT brings a dose of downtown DNA to the Dutch capital! We’re pleased to announce the opening of our first brick-and-mortar shop in Amsterdam! The new outpost occupies a quaint but visible corner in the historic canal district of “The Nine Streets”. The full-service optical shop at Berenstraat 40 opened to the community on November 10th, 2020.   MOSCOT brings over 100 years of optical expertise and its signature old-world charm including authentic tchotchkes and vintage artifacts from the family archives, tin ceilings made in New York, and custom built “fan-do-lier” light fixtures that bring a dose of downtown DNA to the Dutch capital. “While 2020 has been a year of unprecedented events across the globe and in our family’s 105 years in business, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring a piece of downtown NYC history to Amsterdam,” says Dr. Harvey Moscot, 4th Generation & CEO. He adds, “Amsterdam is a vibrant city full of creative, independent thinkers and we look forward to sharing the MOSCOT story in a meaningful way.” Filled with shops full of character, MOSCOT’s new home in the Canal Belt of Amsterdam complements the brand’s outposts around the globe. Located near many museums and historic landmarks, MOSCOT Amsterdam will be available to both tourists and locals alike looking to explore the heart of the city’s best shopping hub. MOSCOT currently operates 16 shops worldwide, including locations in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Paris, and Milan.

Staying true to the heritage of handcrafted eyewear, MOSCOT has always been known for its iconic tortoise acetates! From Antique Tortoise to Classic Havana, MOSCOT tortoise tones cover it all! Take a look at the unique iterations we offer of this classic colorway while learning more about the history and heritage of tortoiseshell frames. SHOP TORTOISE TONES First popularized in the 1920s, original tortoiseshell glasses were made using real turtles and tortoises. Quickly banned in the 1970s to protect the animals from extinction, custom acetate took their place as a reproduction of the original tortoiseshell pattern. Often characterized by its fluid pattern and specks of contrasting color, tortoise tones feature unique details distinct to each frame in a rich, neutral tone that complements all complexions. Remaining firmly planted as a family-run legacy brand for over 100 years, MOSCOT has been framing New Yorkers with original styles, shapes, and colorways since our start in 1915. In keeping with the tradition of the tortoiseshell design, MOSCOT offers a wide range of Tortoise colorways from lighter shades like Vintage Tortoise with its distinct golden waves, to darker tones like the understated flecks of light in Dark Havana. Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of heritage specs with The LEMTOSH in our original Tortoise acetate, or a modern interpretation found in The GENUG in Spot Tortoise, MOSCOT’s Tortoise collection has it all. From Left to Right: Shop The MILTZEN in Tortoise with CLIPZEN Shop The GRUNYA in Antique Tortoise Shop The LEMTOSH with Custom Made Amber Tint

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. Read on for a Behind the Lens design Q&A with Chief Design Officer Zack Moscot. Where do you find inspiration for new designs? A lot of times a design first starts in the Shop downstairs, where I am able to speak directly with our customers and get inspiration from the action on the streets of the Lower East Side. Listening to the types of styles, fit, and shapes the diverse customers who come in through our doors are looking for influence my designs and give me direction in creating a new collection. How do you begin your design process? Many of my designs start with historical inspiration from our family’s frame archives from decades past. I’ll start designing by hand with some pen and pencil and begin to gesture out the shapes and silhouettes of my new designs before I take anything to the computer. Sometimes it’s a soft curve or a rigid line that will make all the difference in a particular shape. Once I’ve narrowed down the hand drawing, my next step is taking the technical drawing onto the computer, where I will get more specific with the sizes and technical aspects of the drawing. I’ll also play with different renderings and colorways, so I can analyze how a particular frame will appear with different lens color combinations and frame colors. How do you choose the colorways that fit best with the new design? After the new frame shape is finalized, I’ll start to examine what types of colorways we want to introduce in the collection. Typically, I’ll start by picking out different types of tortoiseshells—at MOSCOT we’ve become known for our iconic tortoiseshell colorways over the decades. I also like to work with translucent acetates and always like to incorporate new transparent colors to a new collection. The possibilities are endless—but we like to stay true to our timeless colors, our Classiconic™ hues that we are known for. Can you share any details or styles in the new collection you are currently designing? I’ve designed a new frame inspired by our world renowned LEMTOSH, but it’s going to be a touch thicker in terms of its frontal gauge. I’ve analyzed what our current LEMTOSH looks like and how it feels, and I’ve made some adjustments to this design to give it its own unique personality. What is your favorite material to work with? I love designing with acetate because it gives me endless possibilities with shape and form. It’s also great to wear as it is comfortable and allows our opticians to adjust it properly to one’s face for a proper fit. What are some of your favorite styles from a design perspective? It’s hard to pick a favorite! But to name a few… The DREY is one of my favorite frames. It’s a classic P-3 shape with detailed filigree and a functional 180-degree clip-flip so that you can easily flip your sunglass up, or flip it down! Another personal favorite frame is The LAZER – one of my new fall designs this year. It’s really cool because it feels like a traditional aviator, however it is round and features an acetate sweat bar which exudes elements of sport and luxury. Shop The LAZER in Antique Gold / Matte Dark Brown The FRITZ is a really bold frame made with thin sheet acetate laminate so it looks thick from the front, but from the side its super thin and very comfortable. It features a beveled frame front that adds a lot of character! Lastly, I’m excited about the new colorway on The DUDEL that we launched recently. We incorporated Crystal acetate laminated on top of Black acetate so that you can bring attention to the metal intricacies on the temple. As a designer, how do you suggest someone find the perfect frame for their style? From a design and style perspective, different frames are key for different occasions. During the day you may like to wear a chunky acetate frame with a casual outfit, but for evening you might want to dress up your look with a more polished metal frame, for example, for added elegance. Ultimately, your frames are the first thing you put on in the morning, and the last thing you take off at night, so it’s so important to find something that fits your style and is unique to you. What is your go-to frame to wear? It’s key to have different frames for different functions! When I’m at work designing, I like to wear my LEMTOSH with my Blue Protect lenses for the computer to reduce eye strain, but on the weekends, I like to wear my ARTHUR Sunglasses which are lightweight and comfortable while walking down the street.   SHOP ICONS

What Does Low Bridge Fit Mean? Get your perfect fit! With over 100 years of optical expertise, we know not every frame fits the same way. MOSCOT offers low bridge fit frames so that you can find the right frame for your face. First things first, what exactly is a low bridge fit? Low bridge fit glasses are glasses designed for those with a lower nose bridge. They’re specially made to fit more comfortably on the face without slipping. So, pushing up your glasses will soon become a thing of the past! Our low bridge fit glasses come with additional support in the form of silicone or metal nose pads, so your glasses have even more grip. They’re available in the same great styles, and in fits to suit you! We know that one size frame does not fit all, just as one bridge does not fit all. With low bridge fit, we provide an extension of fit offerings so that you can find the right fit for your face. Bridge Fits At MOSCOT, we offer a number of different bridge fit options, including acetate, step-down, and metal. Classic Acetate Nose pads: Made from acetate Comfortable, classic fit Step-down Nose pads: Made from acetate Extended step-down design adds support to ensure the frame sits where it should without slipping down the nose Recommended for those drawn to the look of acetate nose pads, but with the added support for less prominent or narrow nose bridges Metal Nose pads: Made from metal and silicone Soft and flexible for maximum comfort Recommended for those needing additional support for less prominent nose bridges or desiring more grip with the addition of silicone nose pads What's different about low bridge glasses? Low bridge fit glasses are designed slightly differently from regular glasses, to offer increased grip and ensure your glasses don’t fall down your face. They feature larger nose pads with additional support, which rest on the side of the nose rather than directly on the slope of the nose. This means, if your nose bridge is lower, you don’t have to worry about your glasses falling. In terms of aesthetics, low bridge fit glasses offer the same style and visual appeal as regular eyeglasses – just with additional nose pads to ensure a better fit. What are the benefits of low bridge glasses? All faces are shaped differently, so glasses need to adapt to suit different features. This is precisely the case with low bridge glasses. Some of the key benefits of low bridge glasses are: No more slipping. Low bridge glasses are expertly designed to reduce movement and slipping, so you can say goodbye to your glasses falling down your nose or resting on your cheeks. Increased comfort. Regular glasses may feel uncomfortable if you have a lower nose bridge, and you may experience pinching on your nose or cheeks. With increased grip, low bridge glasses will stay put all day so that you can enjoy long-lasting comfort. How do I know if I need low bridge fit glasses? If you find yourself pushing up your glasses regularly, it may be worth checking out a pair of low bridge glasses. If your glasses tend to rest on your cheekbones when you talk or smile, low bridge glasses could also be an excellent option for you. You can carry out a simple test in the mirror to determine whether you have a low nose bridge and need low bridge fit glasses. If the slope of your nose is either level with or lower than your pupils, a low bridge fit will help keep your glasses in place. What style low bridge fit glasses are available? You should never have to compromise comfort for style, and with our range of fashionable low bridge fit glasses, you can choose from styles you love. At MOSCOT, our low bridge fit glasses are available in some of our most popular designs, including the LEMTOSH, MILTZEN, NEBB, and FRANKIE. Size matters: Understanding the sizing of your bridge fit glasses Find your perfect fit with the help of any of our frame fit specialists or learn more about MOSCOT Style & Fit     Ready to update your glasses? Explore our full range of low bridge fit glasses to find the perfect pair for you. Shop Low Bridge Fit Styles

Introducing new icons in our Fall 2020 Collection 6 new frame styles that keep the party going from day to night.  

Hi there! I want to take a moment to personally introduce you to our Fall 2020 collection that I have been working on over the last 24 months. This collection is very personal to me as I focused on creating new styles that speak to our core DNA, while also incorporating new design elements, techniques, colorways, and lens tints which make these styles perfect for a transition from day to night! New York City, especially the Lower East Side where we were born, is an endless source of my inspiration. I am inspired by the people of the neighborhood, the creativity the environment evokes, the energy of the street, and the timeless architectural components of my surroundings.  All of these factors influenced my new designs, which incorporate pops of color as well as geometric details within the frame hardware.  Please check out my 6 new designs and let me know what you think! Many styles offer multiple colorways in optical & sunglass and several sizes so you can find the right one for your face! I hope to see you soon in our Shops as well as online at moscot.com.  Sincerely, Zack Moscot 5th Generation and Chief Design Officer

You’re invited to The SHINDIG… Our Fall 2020 Collection SHINDIG, that is! Designed in the Lower East Side by Zack Moscot, 5th Generation & Chief Design Officer, the new collection features 6 new frame styles where classic design meets modern heritage details. The bold new styles of the Fall-Winter 2020 Collection do not shy away from making a powerful statement that celebrates individuality and shared optimism for the future. Zack Moscot shares, “I designed the new collection with “new age heritage” in mind. Sensible, classic, and functional eyewear designed with an added flair of downtown edge and style.” He adds, “the new styles feature design elements, techniques and colorways that feel fresh, while remaining true to our family’s time-honored craft and New York City heritage.”   New icons are made in the campaign that feature frames that hold their own against the backdrop of the city. Sharing an endearing family tradition to celebrate everyday moments, The SHINDIG – a frame as fun as its name – is a classic square silhouette that takes on a whole new feel with Custom Made Tint™ lenses that can get a party started day or night! With a campaign born out of resilience and optimism, MOSCOT provides a sound reminder that there is always a reason to celebrate. Thanks to our friends: Silvia Tcherassi, Seventy, Teddy Vonranson, All in Favor, Chiara Boni, Botti, and Lolitta.

The MOSCOT Titanium Temple collection, distinguished as the TTs, demonstrates over 100 years of craftsmanship with sleek and elevated takes on Original MOSCOT styles. The four exclusive Titanium glasses frames feature modern heritage details like the innovation of the teardrop temple tip, gold and silver color coordinating hardware, and seamless mixed material integration. Designed as luxurious yet lightweight takes on the classics, these titanium glasses frames provide comfort and style all in one. The LEMTOSH-TT Special Edition is handcrafted using premium acetate, mixed with gold Titanium temples, gold rivets and hinges, and sunglasses made with real blue glass lenses. When Great Great Grandfather Hyman arrived on Ellis Island over 120 years ago, he heard, "What is your name, where are you from?" shouted from a distance. Although the ground was not paved in gold as promised, we wanted to honor his ambitious thinking by launching a Special Edition of the treasured LEMTOSH, a frame for both men and women.   Like The LEMTOSH, The MILTZEN-TT Special Edition is crafted using a combination of metal and Italian acetate, color coordinating silver and gold titanium temple tips, rivets, and hinges, and real blue glass lenses in the Sunglass. Uncle Heshy would find any excuse to throw a good party. The MILTZEN-TT SE is an homage to his celebratory tendencies, featuring a sleeker, elevated take on this beloved frame. To those of you who live like Uncle Heshy, and want to up your game for the night, this one’s for you! The KORVA-TT is a 70s inspired frame made with modern construction. This thinner, sleeker, and more streamlined aviator is perfect for the free-spirit and dare-devil alike! These hypoallergenic teardrop temple tips are made with exclusive silver and gold titanium and coordinate with the raised double-dot rivets on the temples. Stronger than steel, but lighter in weight, The ZEV-TT Special Edition is a reworked masterpiece of the beloved MOSCOT Original, The ZEV, and debuts in gold Titanium. The ZEV-TT Sunglass has nylon, navy gradient lenses and a backside A/R coating. Shop Metal!

Keep your eyes happy and healthy year-round with sun protection eyecare tips! Dr. Harvey Moscot weighs in. How do I protect my eyes from the sun on bright summer days? Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun: Both the outside and the inside of our eyes can be damaged by the UV radiation of the Sun! Protecting the outside tissues of the eyes must include the use of a wide brim hat (a hat alone can offer up to 50% protection) and, of course, closely fitting sunglasses with proper UV protection.   Do darker sun lenses provide greater UV protection? Lenses do not have to be dark to provide UV protection. In fact, some materials such as polycarbonate lenses have UV protection built in, and the color of the lens just helps filter out the amount of light that is allowed to enter into the eye. Other lens materials such as mineral glass lenses (authentically used in many MOSCOT Sunglasses) also provides UV protection, in addition to scratch resistance, and clear, distortion-free vision.   Do MOSCOT Sunglasses provide UV protection? All MOSCOT Sunglasses provide optimal protection against UV radiation (harmful rays from the sun). Remember that UV radiation exists year-round and that the color of the lens has no impact on UV radiation protection by the lens.   What is the difference between Polarization and UV protection? UV Protection helps shield your eyes from dangerous rays from the sun, while polarized lenses offer the best way to help eliminate annoying glare from the sun. Having ultraviolet protection is important for eye health, while polarization is more of a preference. Polarized lenses are fabricated in a unique way that is specifically designed to reduce glare from intense reflected light. As glare is caused from the sun reflecting off of water, or a solid surface, polarized lenses are particularly beneficial while at the beach or lake, or while participating in outdoor activities such as water sports or fishing.   What is Ultra Violet radiation and why do we need UV protection? UV light, or UV radiation, consists of three categories of “invisible” radiation: UV C, UV B, and UV A. UV C is the highest energy and most damaging form, but thankfully most of it is blocked by the atmosphere. UV B is also partially filtered by the ozone layer, but some gets through—causing sunburn—and does the most damage to our skin around our eyes. The good news is that UV B is blocked by our corneas and does not cause as much damage to the inside of our eyes that UV A does. UV A, is the category that is believed to cause the most problems inside our eyes, such as cataracts (the lens inside our eyes gets cloudy and interferes with vision) and macula degeneration (most critical part of our retina that gets effected and degrades our central vision). Proper UV filtering sunglasses will block UV A light and can help prevent these conditions.   What are the dangers of too much UV radiation exposure to our eyes? Have you ever seen what is commonly referred to as “surfer’s eyes”?  With this condition you will notice a change in the color or thickening of the white part of one’s eyes. This condition, known as a Pterygium (and to lesser extent Pingueculae), can actually affect the cornea and if untreated can eventually impact one’s vision. Also, the sensitive tissues on our eyeballs such as the cornea and conjunctiva can sustain sun damage.   Can I add my prescription to my sunglasses? Yes! You can add prescription lenses to any of our sunglasses! Plus, there are many options to achieve sun protection in your ideal style. Add photochromatic to your prescription lenses and watch your lenses change in color from indoors to out (go from clear to dark) without the need to switch frames. No contacts? No problem. Clip your sun lenses right over your favorite pair of eyeglasses. Our MOSCOT Family Members can assist you along the way. Build prescription lenses with add-on services! Give us a ring: 1.866.MOSCOTS or Email us: support@moscot.com. All of our sunglasses reflect our rich heritage, combining expert craftsmanship with the refined tastes of downtown New York. Protect your eyes year-round and check out MOSCOT’s full sunglass offerings.

Bloomberg features 5th Generation, Zack Moscot, on keeping the century old family eyeglasses business fresh, new designs, and expanding the brick-and-mortar presence. See the full feature here.

For a gift that keeps on giving, try The MOMZA SUN - highlighted here in Bloomberg's Graduation Gift Guide. See the full feature here.

Named one of Vogue's 'chicest' Fall glasses, The GELT in Sage is right on the money. See the full feature here.

Introducing MOSCOT Melrose! Read all about MOSCOT's first west coast shop, its unique design features, and the Hollywood ties that made this location a no-brianer in this LA Times spotlight. See the full feature here.

Check out the best Blue Light blocking beauty products, glasses, and accessories - including The DR MILTZEN-T - for W Magazine's Screen Time feature. See the full feature here.

The DOV SUN in Gold is featured among best Summer Sunglasses in this Esquire round-up. See the full feature here.

The New York Times follows MOSCOT's move across Delancey after selling eyeglasses on the same Lower East Side corner for 78 years. See the full feature here.

Seulgi in The SHEITLE Seulgi, South Korean singer and member of K-Pop group, Red Velvet, wears The SHEITLE in the latest issue of Dazed Korea. The SHEITLE is made from acetate with unique beveling on the frame-front, no exposed hardware, color coordinating column rivets on the temples, a saddle bridge, and is available in a kaleidoscope of colorways. Source. Craving more MOSCOT? Read on for highlights, celebrity sightings, insider info, & surprise announcements in MOSCOT Moments.  To see other celebrities wearing MOSCOT Eyewear - visit EYE SPY.

Ilana Glazer in The MILTZEN. Ilana Glazer wears The MILTZEN eyeglasses in Emerald in the final season of Comedy Central’s series Broad City. Handcrafted using Italian acetate, these round frames are available in 13 colorways — from bold, bright hues like Emerald and Ruby, to classic colors like Black and Tortoise. Featuring two adjoined dot rivets on the front and temples, a key hole bridge, and real three barrel hinges, The MILTZEN — much like the hit comedy show—is a New York City classic. Craving more MOSCOT? Read on for highlights, celebrity sightings, insider info, & surprise announcements in MOSCOT Moments.  To see other celebrities wearing MOSCOT Eyewear - visit EYE SPY.

André 3000 in The ZOLMAN. André 3000 is an American actor, rapper, and half of the hip hop duo Outkast. Playing the role of Fredwynn in the anthology series Dispatches from Elsewhere, André 3000 wears the perfectly round ZOLMAN eyeglasses in Classic Havana. The cool and classic frame is made from acetate with no exposed hardware, a saddle bridge, and real three barrel hinges. Craving more MOSCOT? Read on for highlights, celebrity sightings, insider info, & surprise announcements in MOSCOT Moments.  To see other celebrities wearing MOSCOT Eyewear - visit EYE SPY.

To Our Community: MOSCOT was born on the lower east side of NYC, where people of diverse backgrounds and color assembled and began their journey in America. We have had the privileged opportunity to service and employ our community for over 100 years by treating our customers and employees with compassion, respect, kindness, and fairness regardless of race, gender, or personal beliefs. MOSCOT condemns racism in all forms and we stand in solidarity with the fight for justice, equality and the voices that need to be heard. Black Lives Matter. We mourn the lives that were unjustly lost due to police brutality. We recognize that there is work to be done and that we still have a lot to learn to better serve our community through action. To start, here are some of the action-oriented steps we are taking as a family-owned & operated business: Continue to foster and increase Black representation across all departments, marketing campaigns, partnerships, and events and proactively use our platform to amplify BIPOC voices. Create a space where BIPOC feel safe, valued, and heard through initiatives such as Diversity & Inclusion training that mitigates bias and discrimination in the workplace. Utilize our MOSCOT Mobileyes non-profit initiatives to provide free eye-care and eyewear to marginalized communities in NYC. We are committed to implementing additional training, encouraging open dialogue, and listening to our team members, customers, clients, ex-employees, and community. We have recently reached out to those who have voiced concern and we welcome the opportunity to further speak with any current and/or ex-employees who feel they haven’t been heard, included or appreciated. Our doors are always open and we encourage further dialogue via hr@moscot.com. Lastly, we recognize that as an organization we always need to examine our practices and our culture. As a first step, MOSCOT has committed to a 200% match of all donations that our employees make to the following organizations: The Equal Justice Initiative The Loveland Foundation The Thurgood Marshall College Fund The Center for African American Health Black Girls Code As a century owned family business with humble beginnings on the lower east side, MOSCOT is proud to have always been part of this diverse community and commits to seeking ways to improve, evolve, and do better in a world that needs real change against discrimination. MOSCOT