> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.unknowndivide.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # MOSCOT Frames Explained: The Lemtosh, Miltzen and 4 More Classics - URL: https://www.unknowndivide.com/moscot-frames-explained-lemtosh-miltzen/ - Published: 2025-07-27T19:50:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T04:50:42.000Z - Description: From a pushcart on Orchard Street to five generations of eyewear. A short history of MOSCOT and a guide to six signature frames, from the Lemtosh to the Dahven. - Author: unknowndivide staff - Tags: Style, Culture Few eyewear brands can trace their story back to a pushcart. MOSCOT can. The New York City company has been fitting glasses on the Lower East Side for five generations, and its frames carry family names, neighborhood stories and a very particular downtown look. If you are shopping for your first pair, the names alone can be confusing, so here is a short history and a guide to six signature frames. ## The history According to [the MOSCOT story](https://www.moscot.com/pages/our-story?ref=unknowndivide.com), family patriarch Hyman Moscot arrived from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899 and began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street. By 1915 he had built a loyal following and opened the family's first shop at 94 Rivington Street. His son Sol joined the business in 1925 at the age of 15, and by 1936 MOSCOT had settled at 118 Orchard Street, on the corner of Delancey Street, which would be its home for the next eight decades. Sol's son Joel began presiding over the business in 1951, and MOSCOT says he quickly made his mark overseeing the shop. By the 1970s, MOSCOT had expanded the 118 Orchard shop into the ground-level space below it, and the family kept the corner location, later hosting MOSCOT Music events there, until its next big move in 2012\. In 1986 Joel's son, Dr. Harvey Moscot, joined as head of eyecare, practicing as a Doctor of Optometry for over thirty years and is now chief executive officer (CEO). His brother Kenny Moscot joined in 1992\. In 2013 Harvey's son, Zack Moscot, a formally trained industrial designer, became the fifth generation of the family in the business and now leads design as chief design officer. MOSCOT says that though it is now a global fashion brand, it remains true to its roots as a neighborhood optical shop. The family also runs the MOSCOT Mobileyes Foundation, which provides free medical eyecare and eyewear to underserved New Yorkers. As Zack Moscot puts it on the company site, wearing a MOSCOT means putting on a slice of the history of downtown New York City. ## The Lemtosh The [Lemtosh](https://www.moscot.com/products/lemtosh?ref=unknowndivide.com) is the frame most people picture when they think of MOSCOT. The company says this classic has served as the calling card for generations of creative, free-spirited intellectuals, artists and auteurs. It is crafted from Italian acetate, comes in 34 colorways and is offered in four sizes. MOSCOT also points out its keyhole bridge and diamond-shaped rivets. Among its famous fans, MOSCOT names King Charles III and Johnny Depp. A sunglass version, the Lemtosh Sun, comes in 23 colorways, and MOSCOT notes that Matthew Macfadyen wore it in Succession. For a more portable option, there is also a folding version called the Lemtosh Fold. **Best for:** anyone who wants the signature MOSCOT look. ## The Miltzen The [Miltzen](https://www.moscot.com/products/miltzen?ref=unknowndivide.com) is round and full-vue, and MOSCOT says it was first introduced in the 1930s. It is named for a family member, Uncle Heshy, whom everyone inexplicably called Uncle Miltzen. It is made from Italian acetate in 19 colorways and three sizes. MOSCOT notes that Robert Downey Jr. wore the Miltzen in Oppenheimer. **Best for:** a softer, rounder alternative to the Lemtosh with a vintage feel. ## The Gelt MOSCOT pitches the [Gelt](https://www.moscot.com/products/gelt?ref=unknowndivide.com) at people who love the Lemtosh, with its keyhole bridge and diamond-shaped rivets, but want something a little bigger and bolder. MOSCOT says Tom Hanks has been known to wear it. **Best for:** larger faces, or anyone who finds the Lemtosh a touch too small. ## The Zev MOSCOT says the [Zev](https://www.moscot.com/products/zev?ref=unknowndivide.com) was inspired by the British public health "Poor Boy" spectacles of the 1960s. It is named for Sol's cousin and neighborhood lawyer, Zeyfer Braunstein, known as Zev, who wore the frame when he needed to look his best while helping neighbors out of trouble. **Best for:** fans of 1960s British style with a story behind it. ## The Frankie The [Frankie](https://www.moscot.com/products/frankie?ref=unknowndivide.com) has subtle clean lines and a full-vue shape. It is named for Frank, who MOSCOT says has manned the shop counter for over 40 years. It comes in Italian acetate in 10 colorways and three sizes. **Best for:** a round frame that feels a little cleaner and more modern than the Miltzen. ## The Dahven The [Dahven](https://www.moscot.com/products/dahven?ref=unknowndivide.com) is crafted from thick block acetate in rich tonal hues. MOSCOT lists 13 colorways and three sizes in a square silhouette. **Best for:** anyone who wants a bold square frame with real presence. ## Buying tips MOSCOT offers most of its signature frames in several sizes, so check its size and fit guide before ordering. Several frames also come in versions with metal nose pads for extra bridge support, and many have matching clip-ons, such as the Cliptosh for the Lemtosh. MOSCOT says every frame comes with a MOSCOT case, a tote bag and a MOSCOT Minitrunk. If you are near one of its shops, you can also book an eye exam or a styling appointment. Glasses are the finishing touch on a wardrobe built from classics. For more, see our guides to the [Schott Perfecto 618](https://www.unknowndivide.com/schott-perfecto-618-leather-jacket/), the [Barbour Bedale](https://www.unknowndivide.com/barbour-bedale-wax-jacket/), [Levi's 501 jeans](https://www.unknowndivide.com/levis-501-explained/) and the [Seiko 5 Sports](https://www.unknowndivide.com/seiko-5-sports-automatic-watch/). More wardrobe staples live in our [sneakers and style hub](https://www.unknowndivide.com/sneakers-and-style/).