In conversation with...Harvey Moscot
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| Artwork by Eyespectacle |
I like Moscot because the history of their brand is truly close to their heart. Unlike many brands who draw their fortunes from the history of their name, they underestimate how much we like to hear about it. Harvey Moscot (Co-president of Moscot with Wendy Simmons) really likes to sit us down on one of those sturdy wooden chairs and tell us about his family history. He likes to convey the origin of the name of each one of those Originals frames; like that of Eisen, the neighbourhood banker with passion for gambling. The one about Professor Kleyn, the tutor who taught English to the neighbourhood’s new immigrants. These are all mixed in with what inspires Harvey as a 21st century New Yorker, and you can read as much in my interview below…
What
do you do if you want to find some head space and collect your thoughts and
ideas?
I like to find a quiet spot and
play my acoustic guitar. It helps clear my head and let new ideas percolate.
Do you listen to music when you work?
At times I do. And when I do, I love
listening to jazz, especially Joe Pass on guitar, and Bill Evans on piano.
Which era influences your style the most?
I would say the 1940s and 1960s (I like
vests*, they are so timeless in
concept but change only slightly according to the period, reminds me of The
MOSCOT Originals - accenting one’s attire and contributing a kind of formality
to an otherwise relaxed style); however, great style is timeless,
and independent of trends or popular acceptance. Think of a great pair of
jeans, white tee, or the classic pair of wing tip shoes.
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| my beloved brogues! |
Whose
style do you most admire?
Not a single person so much as people
in general who possess a strong sense of “fashion confidence” – they know what
works for them, and they go for it. They don't chase fashion trends, and they
aren't afraid to mix it up.
Most
visually inspiring place you’ve been?
Venice. It’s truly a unique city
with great detail and beauty; it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
Name
your favorite MOSCOT styles and describe the kind of person wearing them
and what he or she does.
The MAZEL, from our Spring 2013
MOSCOT Originals Collection, is one of my favorites! It can be worn by a
lawyer, an artist – the universality of the frame is what makes it so
intriguing and appealing.
Do
you have someone in mind when designing your collections, or does that come afterwards?
No, we’re more concerned with
function and design. The frames must function as well as they look.
Specifically, glasses must fit well on most anatomical facial variations. They
must compliment one’s personality and not completely overpower the person
wearing them. We like to say, people wear our frames and not the other way
around.
What
else would you have done if not eyewear?
I’ve always loved writing music
and playing guitar, but I could never sing, so a career in the family business
seemed like a better move than one as a struggling musician. However with
MOSCOT Music and The MOSCOT All Stars, I have the opportunity to play music at
work and be around a lot of talented musicians, so really I’ve been lucky
enough to have it all!
Who
are or where the biggest influencers in eyewear?
Timeless design endures for
generations, but our biggest influences are the MOSCOT archives circa 1930 –
1970, historical iconic figures of the past, and generations of creative,
thoughtful, free-spirited intellectuals and artists – everyone from James Dean
and Buddy Holly to Malcolm X.
Why
do you think your brand is so successful?
Because we maintain the same
integrity and values we’ve had for nearly 100 years – to provide an excellent
and memorable customer experience, and the highest quality products. I truly
believe this is why we’ve been around for 100 years!
* Or waistcoats if you are in the UK like me... I wonder if professor
Kleyn would have corrected Harvey on this, I was puzzled too!
As for me, the reason I
like the Originals, other than stories from the past, is that there are so many
elements (the etched metal, the clip-ons, the glass lens and the saddle bridge) that just remind me of when I used to work in the eyewear industry
back in Italy!
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| Moscot photo |
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| Moscot photo |
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| Moscot photo |
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| Moscot photo |
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