MOSCOT Launches Five Metal Frames for 2012 Spring/Summer MOSCOT Originals Collection

MILAN, ITALY--(Marketwire - Mar 9, 2012) - MIDO, Hall 24 Booth R10 S10 -- In a marked departure from its trademark acetate frames, MOSCOT, a New York City institution renowned worldwide for its iconic eyewear -- The MOSCOT Originals, MOSCOT Spirit, and MOSCOT Sun Collections -- today announced the launch of five striking new metal MOSCOT Originals styles -- a first for the Company.

The new MOSCOT Originals, The BENNO, IZZY, MENDEL, YOSI and ZELDA, are authentic replicas of styles from the MOSCOT family archives, circa the 1960s - 1970s. Each frame has been meticulously crafted to retain the fine details of its original construction including groove detailing along the temples, and acetate accents across the brow. The IZZY and The MENDEL also feature fashion tint lenses.

The new metal frames launch concomitantly with the Company's bold, exciting new MOSCOT Metal Campaign, featuring the most recognizable names in Heavy Metal. More than just a play on words, philosophically MOSCOT felt a real connection between who MOSCOT is as a brand and what these men and women stand for as artists. All are authentic, genuine, creative, fun, unconventional, humble, non-conformists, who know where they come from, what they like, and what works for them, so that's what they do...and that's what makes them each Originals.

The campaign was created in house by the MOSCOT creative team -- conceptualized and photographed by MOSCOT Co-President, Wendy Simmons and Marketing Coordinator Bianca Pizzoferrato, with post production by Louie Lepore, costume styling by Santiago Siguenza, and makeup by Breanna Williams. The 2012 campaign was shot at the iconic Williamsburg metal bar, Duff's Brooklyn, and features Alex Skolnick (Testament), Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Faisal Talal (Acrassicauda), Jesse Leach (Killswitch), Jose Mangin (Sirius Radio), Juliya Chernetsky (Fuse TV), Marwan Riyadh (Acrassicauda), Matt Heafy (Trivium), Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society).

Introducing new MOSCOT Originals, The BENNO, IZZY, MENDEL, YOSI and ZELDA:

The BENNO - While the rest of their friends were settling into conventional lives, our debonair and dashing, Great Uncle Benno, for whom this frame is named, and the love of his life, our fearless, Great Aunt Gladys, ditched the burbs and moved to Cuba for an unconventional life of Cuba Libres and Cohibas. Made from metal, semi-rimless, acetate application on front and back of top eyewire and temple tips, with characteristic groove detailing along bridge and metal temples, and a three barrel hinge. Available in Matte Gold/Mauve, and Silver/Black. Price = $255 USD frame only, $285 with sun lenses.

The IZZY - A maverick who broke rank, Uncle Izzy departed from the chartered (and expected) course, and headed West to the land of swimming pools and movie stars. While sunning poolside with starlets in December, he did not regret his decision. Made from metal, with full metal eyewire, characteristic groove detailing across top eyewire and temples, and a three barrel hinge. Available in Gold with 15% Violet Tinted Lenses, Gunmetal with 15% Blue Tinted Lenses, and Gold with Burnt Amber Lenses. Price = $255 USD frame only, $285 with sun lenses.

The MENDEL - The tenderfooted Mendel, for whom this frame is named, sold his wares from a neighboring pushcart on Rivington Street -- making him a friend and a competitor (coopertition!) of our dear Great Grandpa Hyman. Lucky for all of us, Hyman won. Made from metal, with full metal eyewire, characteristic groove detailing along the bridge and metal temples, and a three barrel hinge. Available in Gold with 30% Violet Tinted Lenses and Silver with 30% Blue Tinted Lenses. Price = $255 USD frame only, $285 with sun lenses.

The YOSI - It takes a brave man to defy the law, and Yosi, if not brave, was certainly a subverter. Selling "sauce" to swilling street peddlers and other hardworking Joes (and Joannes) during prohibition made him a rebel with a (noble) cause in our book. Cheers! Made from metal, with full metal eyewire, acetate application on front and back of top eyewire and temple tips, characteristic groove detailing along bridge and metal temples, and a three barrel hinge. Available in Matte Gold/Mauve and Silver/Black. Price = $255 USD frame only, $285 USD with sun lenses.

The ZELDA - A poster child for non-conformists, Grandma Sylvia, for whom this frame is named, was a panic of a woman and one cool dame. Born with the name Zelda, Sylvia dreamed of being a star from birth, and while perhaps not the most conventional path...she's certainly a star in our world. (Yup, she's that Grandma Sylvia...star of our tote bags and chamois.) Made from metal, semi-rimless, acetate application on front and back of top eyewire and temple tips, characteristic groove detailing along bridge and metal temples, and a three barrel hinge. Available in Matte Gold/Mauve and Silver/Black. Price = $255 USD frame, $285 with sun lenses.

The BENNO, IZZY, MENDEL, YOSI and ZELDA are available now in MOSCOT shops and online at moscot.com, and in retail and specialty optical shops worldwide. For more information on new and existing styles from all MOSCOT Collections, and for a complete list of shops selling MOSCOT eyewear, please visit moscot.com.