It’s been 110 years since hyman Moscot began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a cart on Orchard Street, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Hyman, an Eastern European immigrant, arrived in New york through Ellis Island in 1899. Today, Moscot is a successful company all around the world, with a solid family tradition and a long legacy built over five generations. From the epic cart on Orchard Street, the next step was the first store on Rivington Street in 1915, leading up to over 30 flagship stores around the world today, including recent openings in Osaka, Japan, and Vienna, Austria.

Its iconic models, such as Lemtosh, Miltzen and Nebb, have become synonymous with classic New York style. In an era dominated by financial funds and major companies, it is extraordinary how Moscot, despite its international success, has remained a family-run company, where each generation has carried forward the values of quality, craftsmanship, and personal connection passed down by the founder, Hyman. One of the main characteristics of Moscot, which has defined its growth strategy on a global level, has been its early investmentin its own stores, with the aim of maintaining direct contact with the end customer and control over the market. Listening daily to the needs of its customers and creating products in line with their expectations, yet staying faithful to the original New York style, has allowed the company to achieve a double result: maintaining an iconic and recognizable style worldwide and building a loyal relationship with its customers.

When the product is also sold through external stores, the selection is very careful and scrupulous. The optician must share the Moscot style and be able to convey its philosophy and values. “As we celebrate 110 years of Moscot, we reflect on our journey and the extraordinary community that has accompanied us along the way,” says Dr. Harvey Moscot, CEO and fourth-generation member of the family. “Today, as we continue to serve customers around the world, we are committed to preserving the essence of the brand, which can be summed up in quality, authenticity and a sense of community.”

The company’s philosophy has always been to remain recognizable through its design tradition while keeping an eye on the future in step with new technologies. It is no coincidence that Moscot has chosen to celebrate this very special anniversary with both an AI-supported campaign and a commemorative book created in collaboration with the publisher Assouline, tracing the brand’s entire extraordinary history through images. Together with the Designed by Moscot campaign for Spring 2025, these initiatives highlight Moscot’s relentless dedication to craftsmanship and style. Collectors and enthusiasts were treated to the highly anticipated Limited Edition Lemtosh and exclusive anniversary pieces, including the110 Tote Bag and Chamois Cloth.

The big party in Milan in february was also proof of the family’s strong commitment to maintaining a continuous and deep relationship with the global community of Moscot lovers. Another significant milestone was the opening of the Moscot Union Square Global flagship, designed to offer a world-class retail and eye-care experience that reflects the brand’s New York heritage. “In our twelfth decade, we remember that Moscot is a story woven through the lives and memories of our customers,” says Zack Moscot, Chief Design officer and fifth- generation family member. “Eyewear  is personal, and our customers feel connected to Moscot because of our heritage and the craftsmanship that goes into every design. That legacy will always be at the heart of what we do.” 

Originally published on Eyebook 34

Photo above: Moscot 94 shop in Rivington Street, NY 1934