We all know what a challenge it is to find the perfect eyeglasses. For those of us that have to wear prescriptions, it gets tricky and expensive; sometimes overwhelming to find something that tickles your fancy.
Was I excited to discover the amazing, MOSCOT. Their eyewear and eyecare has been a New York City institution for nearly 100 years.
Great grandfather, patriarch, Hyman Moscot (above), arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899 and began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street on Manhattan’s famed Lower East Side. He eventually opened up his first retail space in 1915.
Nearly 100 years later, the company still continues to be run by Hyman’s great grandchildren.
The newly-made frames are based on styles from the MOSCOT archives from the 1930’s-1970’s, retaining all of the authenticity of the original frame style right down to real glass lenses in their sunglasses, traditional hardware, and lens colors that precisely duplicate the true old school colors first fabricated by the company in the 1940’s. Wow.
(left to right): Woody Allen, John Lennon, Henry Kissinger, Buddy Holly, Andy Warhol & Sigmund Freud
It’s amazing how glasses have been signatures for such famous people. The vintage-inspired MOSCOT Originals collection is a nod to the classic looks of decades past.
Take for instance, the “Nebb”(above), a chunky, rectangular Henry Kissinger-esque frame
Or the “Miltzen” (above), named after a family uncle. First introduced in the 1930’s, this is the frame with the longest lineage. Think Andy Warhol, John Lennon, Harry Truman and Gandhi, to name a few…
The “Lemtosh” (above) is a rounder, nerdier frame that served as the calling card for generations of creative, thoughtful, free-spirited intellectuals and artistés — from Buddy Holly to Truman Capote to Johnny Depp.
MOSCOT doesn’t only carry “geek chic” eyewear. There are 1,000’s of styles to choose from, such as these “Lynnie” glasses (above), for women only.
Son of Hyman, Sol Moscot and his son, Joel. Love that this is still family run.
These are the frames I’m purchasing (above). They are called “Vilda”, from the MOSCOT original collection. I’m getting tortoise frames with brown lenses. I think they will look great as sunglasses. Pure FDR style, which is kind of fun on a woman.
The other great thing about MOSCOT is even if you aren’t able to visit one of their New York shops in person, you can actually try on their glasses by picking a face on their web site that compliments your face shape and hair color. You select the frame style and color, and walla!, see what it would look like on you.
MOSCOT’S website is chock-filled with goodies. They have a “Moscot Furnishings” department with items such as vintage postcards, photos, t-shirts and more…
MOSCOT postcard book. Nine postcards per package depict street scenes from Manhattan’s historic Lower East Side, and the MOSCOT family, during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.
Grandma Sylvia’s eco-friendly tote bag…
And of course, I’m buying some of these chamois (above) with photos of whole MOSCOT clan including, Great Grandpa Hyman, Grandpa Sol, Grandma Sylvia and Kenny and Harvey’s Mom and Dad, Teddy and Joel – even Kenny and Dr. Harvey. Love these!
They also have a music and pharmacy department, as well as a section of helpful tips on purchasing eyewear.
MOSCAT’S nod to the past is reflected in their fourth generation family members still providing the quality and integrity of eyewear & service, just like their great grandfather Hyman did so many years ago. AND, these are made in the USA!
So, don’t walk…run over to MOSCOT and check out their fabulous website! In addition to Moscot’s New York locations, they have specialty stores across the US, Europe, Asia and Canada.
118 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
212.477.3796
69 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011
212.647.1550
