Sergio Cereda Design Award
The award dedicated to emerging Italian talents in eyewear design.
The prize, named after Sergio Cereda, an influential designer in the optical industry, was created by Harvey Ross, founder of Viva International Group, HMR Holdings, and CEO of Optyx Retail Group, in collaboration with the Cereda family and MIDO.
From this year, applications will be accepted from around the world, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists. The winner will receive $10,000, the second place $5,000, and the third place $2,500.
Participants (maximum 30 years old, enrolled in or recently graduated from a design school) are invited to create projects that explore the rich intersection of sport, design, and mountain culture. The Dolomites — near Cadore, the cradle of the Italian eyewear industry — provide both a symbolic and literal backdrop for this exploration.
The winners will be announced during MIDO 2026.
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 major evolution: entries will be accepted from all over the world, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. The first-place winner will receive $10,000, the second-place winner $5,000, and the third-place winner $2,500.
The winners will be announced during MIDO 2026.