Sergio Cereda Design Award
The award dedicated to emerging Italian talents in eyewear design.
One of the novelties at MIDO 2025, the 1st edition of the Sergio Cereda Design Award that recognizes emerging Italian talents in eyewear design.
The award, announced at the last edition and honoring Sergio Cereda, influential designer in the optical industry, was envisioned by Harvey Ross, founder of the Viva International Group, CEO of Optyx Retail Group and founder of HMR Holdings, in collaboration with the Cereda family and MIDO.
Worth 10,000 dollars, the award revolves around the theme "Eyewear in its pure form: Balance between proportions and harmony, innovation and breaking point". Participants (maximum age 30, enrolled in or recently graduated from a design school in Italy) were invited to create designs that show an in-depth understanding of styles and models, balancing innovation and creativity.
The 2025 winner
AURA
di Tea Rocco - Accademia Laba Brescia
The esteemed jurors agreed that out of the 26 incredibly talented applicants, Tea Rocco’s work embodies the very essence of what Sergio stood for: bold innovation rooted in timeless elegance. Her design transcends aesthetics it tells a story of passion, precision, and fearlessness, much like Sergio’s groundbreaking contributions to the eyewear industry.
But what truly moved the jury was her essay, which echoed Sergio’s belief that fashion is not just fabric and form, but a language of the soul. Tea’s vision raw yet refined, daring yet deeply human captures the spirit of a true designer.
Tea Rocco of LABA School, Italy, was awarded the inaugural prize, accompanied by a $10,000 check, to fuel a future as luminous as her talent.
SERGIO CEREDA AWARD DESIGN 2026
Starting next year, the award will undergo a significant evolution: applications will be accepted from all over the world, with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize, the second-place winner receiving $5,000, and the third-place winner receiving $2,500.
The winners will be announced during MIDO 2026.