Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award
A Global Stage for Tomorrow’s Eyewear Icons
The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, presented by the Ross Viva Family Foundation in partnership with the MIDO Milano Eyewear Show, has officially launched its 2026 edition with a global expansion, opening the competition to the world’s top fashion and design schools.
This platform celebrates emerging eyewear designers who dare to push the creative and technical boundaries of optical design.
Finalists will compete for a total of $17,500 in cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving $10,000, second place earning $5,000, and third place taking home $2,500. The winners will be revealed live during MIDO 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho, offering them global recognition in front of the industry’s most influential players. Applications are now open and must be submitted before the November 2025 deadline via optyx.com.
“Sergio Cereda was not only my business partner for decades, he was my best friend and creative soulmate. This competition is my way of honoring his legacy and ensuring that his passion for bold, beautiful, forward-thinking design lives on. We’re proud to present this award alongside MIDO to elevate the future leaders of our industry.”
All submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed international jury composed of celebrated eyewear leaders, design consultants, and executives. Among them are Harvey Ross, founder of Viva International Group and CEO of OPTYX New York, alongside Lorraine Berton, President of MIDO Milano Eyewear Show and ANFAO.
“Presenting the first winner of the Cereda Award at MIDO 2025 was a truly meaningful moment for me. Sergio Cereda made an important contribution to our industry, and it is a pleasure to pay tribute to his memory. In a sector like eyewear, where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, preserving and celebrating the legacy of those who shaped it is essential. I was also particularly pleased that the award went to a young woman, and now I’m really looking forward to discovering the winners of the next edition”.
The jury will also include two members of the Cereda family: Stefania Cereda Oppermann, a design consultant for EssilorLuxottica North America, and Caterina Cereda, a freelance consultant in design. Together, they will evaluate entries on technical execution, innovation, and the emotional resonance behind each concept.
“Our father would be honored to know that his work is sparking creative exploration in young designers worldwide. We’re deeply grateful to Harvey and MIDO for bringing his legacy to life.”
The jury also includes David Friedfeld of ClearVision Optical, Giovanni Vitaloni of VANNI Eyewear, veteran designer Bruno Palmegiani.
About the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award
Presented by the Ross Viva Family Foundation and the MIDO Milano Eyewear Show, the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award was created to honor the legacy of Italian eyewear pioneer Sergio Cereda. Known for his eye for elegance, technical brilliance, and commitment to mentorship, Cereda helped shape the global eyewear industry. The award is now one of the most respected honors for emerging designers and continues to celebrate bold new ideas with global impact.
About MIDO Milano Eyewear Show
MIDO MILANO 2026
January 31 - February 2, 2026
Fiera Milano, Rho
MIDO is the leading event in the eyewear industry, an exceptional event that has been at the heart of business and trends in the eyewear world for over 50 years.
Halls
Exhibitors
Visitors
It is the only event in the world where you can find all the players in the supply chain: from frame and lens manufacturers to machinery and raw materials; from large multinationals to small innovative companies; from well-known or emerging designers to start-ups and accessories. MIDO is a meeting place for business: making contacts, communicating to a large international audience and discovering the latest market trends are just some of the activities possible at the fair. It also hosts numerous initiatives involving personalities from the industry and provides information and multiple services.
'MIDO is a unique opportunity to meet the entire eyewear supply chain, from machinery to lenses, along with frame manufacturers, and from the industry's top name brands to young independent designers. If you're in this industry and deeply passionate about it, you simply cannot miss MIDO. It would mean losing one of the best opportunities available to anyone in this profession.
In addition, discussion and insight into the international market at 360 degrees in an exciting atmosphere of novelty and innovation, with a focus on sustainability at all levels. An event that people in and out the eyewear world simply cannot miss. '
MIDO Milano 2026 will take place from January 1st until February 2nd at Fiera Milano Rho. To register, exhibit and learn more visit their website at www.mido.com, email them at mido@mido.it or call us at +39 02 32673673.
More news on MIDO
MIDO 2026 Review // Trends, Technology and Global Momentum
In this MIDO 2026 review, we look back at a show that matched last year’s strength while expanding its global reach. From AI-driven design to bio-based materials and the launch of Eyewearland, Milan once again proved why it remains the international meeting point for the eyewear industry. Business was concrete, conversations were strategic, and the momentum toward 2027 has already begun.
MIDO 2026 // Inside The Vision Stage Programme
In Hall 1 at MIDO 2026, the eyewear industry pauses to listen. The Vision Stage brings leadership, data, sustainability and global context into focus.
Must See at MIDO Milano 2026 // Independent Eyewear Highlights
MIDO Milano 2026 brings independent eyewear into sharp focus. This Must-See selection highlights brands that define design integrity, craftsmanship, and long-term vision, from technically driven innovators to heritage-led ateliers. It is not about seeing everything, but about seeing the right things. These are collections that deserve time, conversation, and a closer look, offering opticians meaningful discoveries rather than surface noise. Use this guide as your compass on the show floor, and let instinct lead you toward the frames that truly matter.
MIDO 2026 // Exhibitor List, Halls and Highlights
With the MIDO 2026 exhibitor list now online, the shape of the next edition is clear. From redesigned halls and a strengthened Design area to the Vision Stage, awards and exhibitions, Milan prepares for three days where independent eyewear, innovation and global dialogue come together.
MIDO 2026 // Where the Future of Eyewear Awakens
The MIDO eyewear exhibition 2026 returns to Milan as the key global moment where the future of eyewear is revealed. Across seven pavilions, visionary brands and emerging global eyewear trends set the tone for the year ahead.
MIDO 2026 // The Global Eyewear Stage Returns
Milan once again becomes the epicenter of the global eyewear industry as MIDO 2026 opens its doors. From international manufacturers and independent designers to opticians, buyers and start-ups, the show brings together the full supply chain under one roof. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, education and future-facing dialogue, MIDO continues to shape how eyewear is designed, produced and experienced worldwide.
MIDO 2026 // Registrations and Awards Now Open
The countdown to MIDO 2026 has begun, with registrations now open for visitors and journalists. Alongside the event comes the highly anticipated MIDO 2026 Awards, including the CSE Award for sustainable eyewear and the Best Store Award, celebrating innovation and design in optical retail. With last year’s show drawing over 42,000 professionals, MIDO 2026 promises to once again set the stage for creativity, sustainability, and global collaboration.
MIDO // “Refocusing on Humans” campaign wins at Mediastars
MIDO’s “Refocusing on Humans” campaign scores a triple win at the Mediastars Awards 2025. The Milano Eyewear Show proves again that great communication and human-centered storytelling go hand in hand.
DITA Lancier // TEFtalk with Dita VP Drew Oppermann
In this TEFtalk interview, we meet Drew Opperman of DITA Eyewear at MIDO in Milan to explore the sleek DITA-Lancier collection—high-performance eyewear for land, sea, and air, refined through DITA’s signature luxury design.
Rolf Spectacles // Winner CSE Award 2025!
Austrian eyewear manufacturer Rolf Spectacles wins the prestigious CSE award for Certified Sustainable Eyewear for the second time in a row!
