Eyewear Passion
Silmo Istanbul plays a valuable role in connecting with partners who appreciate Moscot’s heritage and are passionate about telling its story.
Moscot is a five-generation family-owned New York City heritage eyewear brand renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear. The Moscot optical roots were first planted in America by Great Great Grandfather, Hyman Moscot, who arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899. Hyman began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcarton Orchard Street on Manhattan’s famed Lower East Side. Now, over a century later, Moscot is a New York City institution, renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear. Moscot infuses a uniquely refined, urban aesthetic with nearly 110 years of eyewear expertise and master craftsmanship to create its timeless eyewear. While Moscot is now recognized as a fashion brand with shops around the world, it continues retain the naivety of a neighborhood optical shopin its heart. We present our exclusive interview about Moscot’s deep-rooted heritage, vision for eyewear, design DNA and latest collection with Zack Moscot, Chief Design Officer, the 5th generation of this precious family business.
Hello, could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about how your journey with Moscot started?
I’m Zack Moscot, 5th Generation and Chief Design Officer of my family’s 109-year-old heritage eyewear brand. Our story began over a century ago when my great-great-grandfather, Hyman Moscot, arrived in New York from Eastern Europe in 1899 and sold glasses from a pushcart on the Lower East Side. We’re still rooted there today! I grew up working in our Shops, learning the business early on. With a passion for design, I became the first formally trained designer in the family, rather than an optician or optometrist. I now work alongside my father, Harvey Moscot (4th Generation), evolving our brand from both a business and creative standpoint. Eyewear is truly in our blood!
We know that Moscot has a long heritage as an iconic brand. What would you like to say about Moscot and its milestones?
As a family-owned business for over a century, our focus on quality, craftsmanship, service, and expertise has allowed us to grow and build a loyal following worldwide.
How would you describe Moscot and its vision of eyewear?
As a downtown NYC brand, our DNA is rooted in the Lower East Side where we were born. My great-grandfather Sol always said, “You must know your past to know where you’re going,” and this guides everything we do. While we honor our heritage, we don’t rest on our laurels. We stay true to core values like treating people fairly and doing things for the right reasons. Eyewear is both a medical device and a fashion accessory, and it’s this unique balance that defines us.
Could you tell us about Moscot’s design DNA and how it differs from other brands in this sense?
Our aesthetic is unique because it evolved naturally over time. Our Shops feel like stepping into my grandma’s living room, full of knick-knacks and nostalgia. At the heart of Moscot are the incredible people we consider part of our extended family, serving customers for generations. We pair this with a collection of timeless eyewear that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern flair.
Let’s talk about Moscot’s 2024-2025 Fall/Winter collection and its highlights…
The Fall 2024 collection reflects both our past and future. It combines timeless shapes with iconic design elements, featuring bold chunky acetate frames alongside delicate metal classics. We offer multiple frame sizes because we know one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the right frame for your face and style, along with a proper fit, is essential, as we always consider each individual’s lens design and prescription needs.
Could we talk about the subjects that inspire Moscot designs? How are current developments reflected in your designs?
We draw inspiration from our family archives, historical bestsellers, and the customers who come through our doors. Located on the Lower East Side, our design office thrives in this eclectic melting pot of style and culture. We blend function and fashion by focusing on fit, while enhancing frames with distinct colorways, lenses, and material details.
We know that Moscot has a strong connection with music. What does music mean to Moscot? What are its influences on your collections?
Being in the Lower East Side for over 100 years, we’ve naturally connected with artists, including many musicians and celebrities who’ve been customers. In a neighborhood rich with creativity, my father, Harvey, combined his passion for music with Moscot by launching Moscot Music, where both up-and-coming and renowned musicians perform in our Shops worldwide. Music reflects the creative, independent spirit that resonates with our brand’s unique style and aesthetic.
For the upcoming year 2025, should we expect new collaborations, openings or collection surprises from Moscot?
In 2025, we’re celebrating 110 years with exciting surprises, new launches, and fresh products!
You are represented in Turkey through your distributorship. How would you evaluate this cooperation and Moscot’s position in the Turkish market?
We have wonderful partners in Turkey who have helped share the Moscot story. They’ve connected us with like-minded retailers and opticians who offer Moscot frames and pass our story on to their customers. We like to say, when you wear Moscot, you’re wearing more than glasses – you’re wearing a piece of NYC, history, and family.
As Moscot, to what extent does exhibiting in international optical fairs contribute to your brand awareness worldwide?
We find global partners who align with our values and curate our brand in a way that reflects who we are. We’re also opening Moscot Shops in cities where we have fans who appreciate our approach to eyewear. Alongside our shops, Moscot.com and social media help us share our story and grow brand awareness worldwide.
Could you evaluate the development and market impact of Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, which will be held for the 11th time in Turkey in partnership with Silmo?
The Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair plays a valuable role in helping Moscot connect with partners who appreciate our heritage and are passionate about telling our story. Events like these provide a great opportunity to find like-minded retailers who understand the unique qualities of our brand and are committed to representing Moscot in a way that aligns with our values.
November 2024