Moscot is a eyewear brand founded in New York in 1915 by Hyman Moscot, a Lithuanian immigrant who settled on the Lower East Side. Five generations later, the brand remains family-owned. The design and quality control are still carried out in New York under the direction of Zack Moscot, the fifth generation to carry the name.
At Ekla, we carry Moscot in our two shops in the 10th and 11th arrondissements. It is one of the brands for which we receive the most targeted requests: people come in knowing exactly what they are looking for.
If this applies to you, or if you are hesitating between several models before making your choice, this article provides an overview.
Why Moscot has become an iconic brand
Moscot is the archetype of retro New York eyewear. Thick acetate, assertive geometric shapes (round, square, panto), colors that are often classic (black, tortoiseshell) but also bold (crystal, amber, bottle green).
The brand also owes its fame to cinema. The Lemtosh is worn by Johnny Depp, James Dean (posthumous reissue), and Andy Warhol. And more recently, by a whole generation of urban creatives.
A firm opinion: Moscot is not a brand you wear by default. It is a stylistic choice. If you want discreet glasses that go unnoticed, this is not where you should look. If, on the other hand, you are looking for frames that say something about you, you are in the right place.
The Moscot models we have in the shop
Here is what we regularly have in stock in our shops.
The Lemtosh: the iconic model (and our best-seller)
Shape: round, thick acetate, hinge with visible rivets. Audience: square, angular, long faces. The roundness of the Lemtosh softens facial features. Classic colors: black, tortoise, crystal, brown.
This is the model we have people try on most often in the shop when they are hesitating between several Moscot pairs. It is more versatile than the others and works on a wider variety of faces.
The Miltzen: the rounded square
Shape: square with softened angles, more discreet than the Lemtosh. Audience: round or oval faces. The square geometry provides structure to the face. Classic colors: tortoise, black, crystal.
The Miltzen is often the second choice for customers who find the Lemtosh too bold. It is also what we recommend to first-time wearers who want an iconic frame without any excess.
The Vilda: the feminine version
Shape: cat-eye, inspired by 50s-60s vintage. Audience: round, oval, heart-shaped faces. Colors: tortoise, black, and more colorful variations each season.
The Vilda is the most feminine Moscot model in the range. A classic for those looking for an assertive frame without falling into the "seen it all before" Ray-Ban trap.
The Zolman: the thin round
Shape: round but in thin metal, much lighter than the Lemtosh. Audience: those who like the John Lennon style but find acetate too massive. Colors: gold, silver, gunmetal.
Other models available or by special order
Frankie, Lentosh (a version of the Lemtosh without nose pads), Zev⦠We can also order others if you have a specific model in mind: just let us know.
How to choose your Moscot model? The role of visagism
Choosing a Moscot isn't just about picking between a Lemtosh or a Miltzen based on a feeling. The shape of the face counts for more than trends.
At Ekla, we take the time to test several models side-by-side on the face in natural light. This allows us to see how the thick acetate structures (or weighs down) the features. A Lemtosh on a face that is already round can overwhelm the cheekbones. A Miltzen on a square face can reinforce the impression of rigidity. These are mistakes we regularly see in customers who bought online without trying them on.
Specifically, here are the combinations that work best based on what we observe in the shop:
- Round face: Miltzen or Vilda (geometric shapes that provide structure)
- Square or angular face: Lemtosh (roundness softens features)
- Long face: Lemtosh or Vilda (visually widen the face)
- Oval face: almost all models work; it is the most versatile face shape
- Heart-shaped face: Vilda as a priority, then Lemtosh
But these rules are starting points, not absolute truths. Personal style, haircut, skin tone, and eye size also play a role. That is why we take the time in the shop rather than letting you choose on a screen.
Choose Moscot at Ekla if you are looking for:
- A frame with a real history: not an industrial brand disguised as a designer;
- Thick, long-lasting acetate, designed in New York and checked by the fifth generation of the Moscot family;
- A model chosen according to your face, not just according to trends. That is where we step in with our visagism expertise.
Moscot is probably not for you if:
- You are looking for a discreet frame that goes unnoticed: the Moscot DNA is the opposite;
- You want thin, light metal: Moscot is mainly thick acetate (the Zolman being an exception).
Practical information
π Ekla Paris 10, 84 rue d'Hauteville, 75010 Paris. Tel: 01 42 28 90 89
π Ekla Paris 11, 147 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris. Tel: 01 56 61 00 00
π Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
π
Visagism consultation by appointment or by dropping into the shop
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Moscot in Paris?
Moscot is sold in Paris at Ekla (10th and 11th arrondissements), in the single-brand Moscot shop in the Marais, as well as at a few designer opticians. At Ekla, universal third-party payment applies, which simplifies reimbursement by your health insurance provider.
What is the best-known Moscot model?
The Lemtosh. It is the round, thick acetate model worn by Johnny Depp, James Dean, and Andy Warhol. It is also the one we recommend most often in the shop when someone is hesitating between several Moscot models.
Does the Lemtosh suit my face?
The Lemtosh works particularly well on square, angular, or long faces. On a round face, its round shape can overwhelm the features: a Miltzen or a Vilda will often be more suitable. The best thing to do is come in and try several models side-by-side in the shop; we will take care of it.
Does Moscot make sunglasses?
Yes. All Moscot models can be ordered as sunglasses, with tinted or polarized lenses. At Ekla, we can also fit prescription sun lenses into Moscot frames.