New York, 1960s: the Lower East Side pulses with energy. Here, the street is both stage and creative laboratory, an explosive mix of artists, rebels, and outsiders. In dimly lit, crowded clubs, distorted guitars scream against conformity, while graffiti and posters cover every wall, bearing witness to an ongoing artistic revolution
Words SABRINA BOLZONI
Amidst this vibrant chaos, Moscot stands as a constant. The small optical shop on Rivington Street remains a solid presence in a neighborhood in constant evolution. While bands perform in underground venues and artists take over abandoned lofts, Moscot continues to serve those who live and breathe this city—musicians, poets, and performers alike. Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Patti Smith—many of them have walked these streets, and among Moscot’s customers, some would eventually find themselves on the most iconic stages of New York’s music scene.
Moscot and music were never a coincidence. The brand, born in the Lower East Side, is part of the same creative energy that made the neighborhood a cultural epicenter. During the ‘60s and ‘70s, musicians, artists, and intellectuals were frequent customers, drawn by a distinctive aesthetic and an authentic atmosphere. Word of mouth did the rest: Moscot glasses became a style statement, chosen not just for their quality, but for their attitude.
Over time, the connection with music has evolved. Today, Moscot Music brings tradition into the present, hosting live performances in its stores and supporting emerging talent. New artists find in Moscot a space to perform, a format that recalls the spontaneity of past jam sessions. But it’s not just about events—the brand also invests in music through charitable initiatives, funding school programs and promoting musical culture as part of its DNA.
As the Lower East Side continues to change, Moscot remains a landmark—firmly rooted in history, yet always looking ahead. The brand is not just a piece of the past, but a catalyst for new artistic expressions. Its relationship with music is not nostalgia—it’s a living, breathing connection, a bridge between the neighborhood’s roots and the next generations of creatives.
Whether it’s a pair of glasses or a stage for a performance, Moscot continues to be the link between style, culture, and music. And in a city where trends come and go, authenticity is the one thing that stands the test of time.
The Lower East Side keeps changing, but Moscot’s rhythm never stops.
